'Significant' gun haul after eight-day search

News imageBBC A number of police and black vans on the side of a road, partially on the pavement. There is a red and yellow large van peaking out behind the others. There are leafless trees behind them and the sky is grey.BBC
A search has been ongoing in Grangetown since 22 January

A "significant firearms haul" has been found after an eight-day search by a police force.

Cleveland Police had been scouring the area around Mannion Park, in Grangetown, since 22 January and said on Thursday it found the guns alongside "large quantities of ammunition".

The findings would be used to support an ongoing and active investigation, the force said.

The search site boundaries would be removed, it added, but a police presence would remain in the area to continue some "minor activity".

The investigation is part of the force's Operation Galvanise, a multi-agency initiative to tackle organised crime in Grangetown.

Supt Emily Harrison said the searched area was privately owned and the work had left the ground "dangerous in places".

The public has been told to not enter the search site until the owner has confirmed it is safe.

Assistant Chief Constable Wayne Fox, who led the operation, said the search had "not been without challenge" due to the weather and difficult terrain.

"The use of any of these weapons would have been catastrophic," he added.

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