Police seize cache of guns from house in Haydock

Sep 26 2007 by Caroline Innes, Liverpool Daily Post

Merseyside Police (158)

THE supply of firearms into Merseyside has been disrupted, police have claimed following the seizure of 11 guns from a semi-detached house in Haydock.

The guns, seven semi automatic pistols, three revolvers and another firearm were seized last night in Avery Square, Haydock, along with seven silencers, and approximately 500 rounds ammunition.

During the covert operation a large quantity of what is believed to cannabis resin - around 20 to 30kgs with an estimated street value of more than £30,000 - and a quantity of cash was also recovered.

Two men, a 30-year-old from Haydock and a 42-year-old from Ashton-in-Makerfield, have been arrested on suspicion of possession of firearms and taken to police stations on Merseyside where they are being questioned by detectives.

Following the seizure, Chief Superintendent Tony Doherty, Force Operations, said: "Merseyside Police is committed to tackling guncrime and removing guns from the streets to ensure the safety of our community.

"This significant seizure last night is the result of a pro-active and covert policing operation aimed at preventing guns coming in to the Merseyside area.

"We know there is a limited supply of guns on Merseyside and this is a major coup against those involved in the supply of firearms.

"We believe we have significantly disrupted the organised supply of firearms in to Merseyside and will continue with a determination to target those offenders who wish to supply other criminals with firearms thereby endangering the life and safety of all our communities.

"This potential supply was stopped close to the Force boundary.

"I believe it is important to make the whole of Merseyside a hostile environment for criminals involved in this type of offence.

"This is another battle won in the fight against guncrime, however, we are all aware that one battle does not win a war.

"Merseyside Police is up for this challenge, but we also need all members of our community to get on board and give us the information to take action against these criminals.

"We will act on all information reported to us through Crimestoppers, the Guncrime Hotline, through local community leaders and through contact with your local police and Community Support Officers.

"This seizure follows the Force committing extra officers into areas of Liverpool North and Knowsley, where guncrime has been identified as an issue.

"Last night’s seizure is an example of the multi-faceted response we are employing and such interventions will be a regular feature of making the streets of Merseyside safe and transferring the fear of crime back on to the criminals themselves."

* Anyone with information about guncrime or those involved in anyway with firearms can contact the Merseyside Police Guncrime Hotline on 0800 458 1211, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Or you can call police on 0151 709 6010 and ask for your local station.