Massive weapons haul including knives and guns seized

Officers attended the address in Sutton Leach to execute the warrant under the Offensive Weapons Act.

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Inside a shed at the back of the property they located numerous weapons including 57 firearms or air weapons; 40 large knives or machetes; 38 air pistols; 20 folding knives; 10 swords; three crossbows; two axes; two wooden handled flick knives; two knuckle dusters; a zombie knife and a Taser.

Some of the weapons found

The occupier, a 56 year old man, was arrested on suspicion of firearms offences.

He was taken to custody for further investigation.

A large number of the weapons were surrendered to the police and taken away to either be destroyed or sent to our clearing house for further examination.

Police seized the weapons on Wednesday

Inspector Neil Birkett said: “Although a large number of these weapons were legally held by the occupier, we were hugely concerned about the sheer amount of weapons we found and the risk to the community if they fell into the wrong hands.

“Storing weapons anywhere, let alone a garden shed, whether they are legally held or not, is worrying to say the least. However we are thankful for any information relating to the storage of weapons and I would continue to encourage the community to provide information.”

Crossbows were among the items seized

Anyone with information about this incident should contact us quoting ref: 19100721378.

Alternatively, anyone aware of someone storing, buying or carrying weapons, can get in touch – either by DM @MerPolCC, or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, or call 101.