Police raid suspected gun factory at house on quiet Dove Holes estate

Police raided a suspected gun-making factory in Dove Holes yesterday (Tuesday) as part of efforts to tackle gang crime in Manchester.
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Organised crime officers swooped on a house on Walker Brow - seizing ammunition and components including barrels and tools used to make illegal firearms - at 8.30am.

A 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm and remains in custody.

A photo taken by officers shows evidence bags filled with handgun casings, and ammunition magazines.

Quiet cul-de-sac Walker Brow - where the dramatic scenes unfoldedQuiet cul-de-sac Walker Brow - where the dramatic scenes unfolded
Quiet cul-de-sac Walker Brow - where the dramatic scenes unfolded

The dramatic scenes unfolded at the quiet cul-de-sac - made up of large, detached, newbuild homes - as part of an on-going investigation into the supply of firearms and ammunition.

Detective Constable Christopher Chinnery, of GMP's Serious and Organised Crime Group, said: "This is a significant discovery as part of our commitment to tackle the use of firearms and gang-related crime in Greater Manchester.

"These items could have led to devastating consequences and we remain committed to tackling organised crime across Greater Manchester."

Reacting with shock to the news, Dove Holes councillor Peter Roberts said ‘if these are illegal firearms then it’s great that they’ve been taken off the streets’.

A photo taken by officers shows evidence bags filled with handgun casings, and ammunition magazines.A photo taken by officers shows evidence bags filled with handgun casings, and ammunition magazines.
A photo taken by officers shows evidence bags filled with handgun casings, and ammunition magazines.
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He said: “Law-abiding gun-holders don’t cause any problems but if these weapons are fuelling gun crime then it’s good they’ve been seized.

“I’m quite taken aback by this - Ok, so Dove Holes is not the prettiest village but generally speaking people here are a very nice bunch.”

However another resident who did not want to be named said she was ‘not surprised’ by the find.

She added: “I’m not surprised but it doesn’t worry me anymore than drug raids or anything else - it’s just part of life now.”

Others in the village said they were unaware the raid had happened - however one man added: “The village has grown quite a bit now, so we don’t know everything that goes on.”

Another villager said: “I can’t believe it - we used to be such a sleepy little place.”

Members of the public are permitted to own sporting rifles and shotguns subject to licensing in the UK.

However handguns were banned for most purposes after the Dunblane school massacre in 1996 - with the exception of Northern Ireland.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.