Police find deadly weapon in woodland area

Police have found a dangerous firearm following a search of an area of woodland in Oldham.

Acting on intelligence gathered from the community, officers from Operation Vulcan conducted a sweep on Oldham Edge, at the top of Henshaw Street, in the St Mary’s area of the town. 

During the search yesterday morning, a sawn-off shotgun, with eleven cartridges of ammunition still inside, was discovered.  

The weapon has been safely and forensically recovered and will be sent for further expert analysis in due course. 

The work in Derker follows on from previous Vulcan initiatives in Cheetham Hill and Piccadilly Gardens, and has already seen dozens of arrests, hundreds of stop-searches, and countless disruption activities conducted in the months since it launched. 

Detective Inspector Lee Newburn, from GMP’s Vulcan team, said: “This successful find has meant a deadly weapon is off the streets of Oldham and is a further example of the work the Vulcan team is doing in keeping Derker and the wider community safe. 

“We have already taken countless weapons off the streets and will continue to do this, while pursuing those who are responsible and bringing them to justice. 

“Officers will continue to tirelessly work with local partners and to ensure we carry out operations which smash criminals and the illegal activity they take part in.” 

If you have any information about firearms, or other criminality in Derker and Oldham, call the police.

Information can be shared by calling 101, or by using the Live Chat function online at Home | Greater Manchester Police. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111