Investigation underway after handgun found on residential street on the Wirral
A member of the public discovered the handgun inside a bag behind an electricity box
An investigation is underway after a firearm was recovered from a residential street in Wirral.
At around 9.45am on Thursday 10th September, Merseyside Police received a report that a handgun had been found inside a bag behind an electricity box in Norfolk Close in Noctorum.
The gun has been forensically recovered to assess whether it is a viable weapon, and enquiries remain ongoing.
Detective Inspector Chris Clark, from the force's Firearm Investigation Team, said: "Although this appears to be an older firearm, in the wrong hands it could still cause significant fear and harm in Merseyside.
"We know that offenders involved in serious and organised crime sometimes use public spaces to hide their firearms in an attempt to avoid their connection to the weapon being detected by police.
"Clearly, leaving viable weapons in open public spaces is incredibly dangerous and we are fortunate that a responsible adult found this gun and did the right thing.
"If you know where people are storing guns, or who is involved in gun crime, I would urge you to contact us and help us to make your streets safer."
Anyone with information should contact the Merseyside Police social media desk via @MerPolCC quoting reference 26000742021. Information can also be reported via the force's website or by calling 101.