Armed police officers seized a homemade 'slam gun' and four rounds of ammunition during a raid on a property in Handsworth, Birmingham, early on Thursday, August 20.
Officers smashed their way into the address on Freer Road in the early hours as part of a pre-planned operation linked to a wider investigation.
Details of the raid
The raid was carried out by the Summerfield and Bournville Priority Crime Teams, who were joined by firearms officers. During searches of the property, a firearm was recovered. Preliminary tests showed it was a live and viable 'slam gun', an improvised type of firearm capable of firing projectiles.
Four rounds of ammunition were also found at the scene. The weapon and ammunition have been seized by police.
Police statement
A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: "Our officers have recovered a homemade ‘slam gun’ and ammunition after carrying out a warrant at an address in Handsworth."
"Both the Summerfield and Bournville Priority Crime Teams were joined by firearms officers for the warrant on Freer Road in the early hours of yesterday."
"During searches of the address, a firearm was recovered – which preliminary tests have shown to be a live and viable ‘slam gun’."
"It is an improvised type of firearm capable of firing projectiles, as well as four rounds of ammunition."
"The weapon and ammunition have been seized and our enquiries are continuing."
Ongoing investigation and Operation Target
The police spokesperson added: "Priority Crime Teams – in Birmingham and across the West Midlands – work alongside other local officers to proactively address local issues."
"Under Operation Target, we’re relentlessly targeting those involved in serious and organised crime. We’re taking weapons off the streets."
Enquiries into the incident are ongoing, with police continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the weapon and ammunition found at the Handsworth property.
