Officers in Oldham have made two arrests following a pursuit early this morning in Failsworth.

Calls were initially received just after midnight today, Friday 11 August 2023, with reports of a vehicle being 'bricked' in Ashton Road East. On arrival, officers spotted a car and pursued it.

The vehicle was subsequently found abandoned in a nearby street with the engine still running. A subsequent search of the local area resulted in a firearm being found, together with ammunition, in a bag, discarded in a garden.

GMP then received further calls at approximately 9.30am, from a member of the public who had located a further firearm when walking their dog in a field in Failsworth. Firearms officers attended the scene and secured the weapon.

It is believed that the two firearms had been thrown from the car.

Two men, aged 19 and 21, have now been arrested on suspicion of illegal possession of firearms and dangerous driving. They remain in custody for questioning.

Inspector Nicholas Helme, from GMP's Oldham Challenger team, said: "This was a fantastic result and I am pleased that we have recovered two firearms from the streets. Our officers quickly and efficiently pursued the vehicle and these subsequent arrests just hours later demonstrate their hard work in ensuring a positive result in this incident.

“We’re constantly acting on information that is provided to us so that we are one step ahead of organised crime - we are determined to clamp down on those involved in it.

“I am therefore asking people in the community to please assist us where they can - please do get in touch if you believe criminality is happening in your area."

If you have information, please call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or contact GMP via 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.