Guns and drugs found in dawn raid on a Thornton house

Jul 2 2009 by Lyndsay Young, Crosby Herald

GUNS were found during a dawn police raid on a house in Thornton.

Police yesterday refused to reveal the exact make of weapons found, but said they were ‘Section One’ - the most serious type of firearms which covers pistols, rifles and sawn-off shotguns.

The two guns were discovered following a five-hour police search on a house in Coney Crescent.

Four people were arrested for the possession of firearms.

Crosby Neighbourhood Police carried out a drugs raid on the premises at around 7.30am on Tuesday, accompanied by the Crosby Herald.

Officers used the battering ram to break down the door and police gave chase as a man fled through the back door and over back garden fences of nearby houses.

Police carried out patrols of the area in a bid to locate the man.

Following a full search on the house, the weapons were discovered as well as a wrap of heroin and a small amount of cannabis.

Two women, aged 20 and 54, from Thornton were arrested for the possession of a firearm.

Two men, aged 27 and 23, were arrested for the possession of a firearm and the possession of a controlled drug.

The warrant was carried out by Crosby Neighbourhood and the Operation Hawk team.

Residents came out of their houses and there was heavy police presence in the area.

Crosby Neighbourhood Police Inspector Neil Turner said: “Getting firearms off the streets of Merseyside is a priority for Merseyside Police.

“I would like to appeal to all of the general public that if they have any information relating to illegal fire arms to contact the police.

“If they wish to remain anonymous they can contact Crimestoppers.”

The weapons and the drugs have now been sent off for analysis.

Detectives have launched an investigation and police will be looking to speak to the man who fled the property.

Inspector Turner said: “We need to speak to that person as part of the investigation. The investigation is at an early stage.

“It has come about as a result of information that we received.

“We rely heavily on the public for information on all issues.

“It is important that we have the confidence of the public to contact us to give us any information that they have.

“We will act on that information appropriately.”

To report information about firearms or drugs call Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.

Other crime-related issues in the Crosby area can also be reported to Crosby Neighbourhood Police on 0151 709 6010.