Man arrested after cops find gun, bullets and drugs in car

A man has been arrested following a firearm, bullets and drugs were found in Southport.

At around 5.30pm on Saturday 16 August, we received a report that a man was forcing a communal door and then gained entry into a flat on Manchester Road, causing damage.

Officers attended and detained a man who was in possession of a plastic tub containing a large quantity of unclassified pills. Following a search of a car outside the building, officers also found a gun and bullets inside the vehicle.

A 34-year-old man of no fixed abode was arrested on suspicion of two counts of criminal damage, possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition, possession of a controlled Class A drug, suspected heroin, possession of a prescribed controlled Class C drug (suspected Pregabalin), and threats to commit criminal damage. He is still in police custody.

A further search of the flat was carried out and a 56-year-old woman from Southport was arrested on suspicion of concerned with the supply of heroin and possession of a firearm without a certificate. She has been released on police bail with conditions.

Detective Seargeant Chris Clark from the Firearms Investigation Team said: “We all know too well the substantial damage and harm drugs and weapons has on our communities.

“Thankfully this converted firearm and ammunition has been safely recovered and it can no longer be used to cause fear or harm in our community.

“I hope it sends a clear message to those involved in serious and organised crime that we are relentless in proactively pursing criminals to bring them to justice.

“We would urge residents to get in touch if you have information on those involved in drug dealing or have weapons stored so we can remove them from our streets.

“We rely on information given to us by the public and this makes a huge difference in identifying suspects, seizing weapons and removing suspects who would bring lethal weapons onto our streets.”

Anyone with information should contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X @MerPolCC or on Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’. You can also report information via our website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ or call 101.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency always call 999.