Machine gun and ammo dropped in Crumpsall

A Mini-Uzi and ammunition have been seized by Greater Manchester Police after an attempted robbery in Crumpsall.

At about 10.50pm on Wednesday 24 October 2012, police were called to Coke Street West in Broughton Park following reports of a personal robbery that in progress. 

Officers responded immediately and when a patrol car arrived at the scene within minutes, two men were seen to flee.

The response officers gave chase on foot and during the pursuit one of the offenders dropped a bag in an alleyway leading towards Seymour Road, north Manchester.

Contained within the bag was the fully automatic machine gun wrapped in a piece of cloth, along with more than 30 rounds of live ammunition. The gun has now been secured for forensic analysis.

The offenders, who were wearing dark clothing, managed to escape and police are now appealing to anyone who has information about the attempted robbery to come forward.

No-one was injured during either the attempted robbery or the subsequent police pursuit.

Superintendent Stuart Barton said: "We know there are still guns out on the streets of Greater Manchester, and we all know about the terrible tragedies that can occur when a gun is used.

"So every time a gun is seized by police, it means one less weapon that is out there that can be used to kill or injure innocent members of our communities. Undoubtedly, this recovery of a very dangerous machine gun has saved people's lives.

"I would therefore like to praise the swift response of the officers who chased after these men as they had no idea the offenders were carrying such a weapon. I would however like to make it clear the officers were not threatened and the firearm was neither directed at them or fired in any way.

"Across Greater Manchester, we have built excellent relationships with our communities and in light of this recovery I would again appeal to residents. If you know the whereabouts of a firearm, then please do the right thing and tell us, anonymously if needed, and you could also be helping to save people's lives.

"I would also encourage anyone who has information about the attempted robbery to come forward."

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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