Guns and stolen items worth thousands of pounds recovered in Gloucester

Gloucestershire Constabulary executed a firearms search warrant at a site in Naas Lane, Gloucester this morning, Wednesday 4 January.

Two shotguns were found, along with a dismantled firearm, as well as two loaded crossbows.

A number of items of stolen property was also recovered, including a stolen vehicle, three high value electric bikes, electrical equipment and 300 bottles of champagne.

Animal welfare officers from the RSPCA and Stroud District Council were brought on to the site after 11 dogs were found. At least three are suspected stolen while a fourth is being reunited with its family.

Police arrived at the location at around 9.30am, closing off roads close to the site for a number of hours.

Area Chief Inspector and Firearms Commander Anton Campbell, who had overseen the execution of the warrant, said it was a low-key firearms warrant with precautions taken should officers meet with any hostility during the search.

He said: “The safety of every community is paramount to us and we will ensure we take any action necessary to maintain that safety.

“We will continue to work with and engage with the occupants of the site and the wider community to protect them from harm and to investigate offences.”

Inspector Marcus Forbes-George, who had co-ordinated the warrant on the ground, said: “We have put a lot of time into planning this warrant and the results show that our efforts have paid off.

“I’d like to reassure the public that there is no cause for concern or danger and we'd like to thank local residents for their continued patience and support while searches continue.”

No arrests have been made but enquiries will continue to identify those involved in the offences.