Police plea as machine gun is discovered in abandoned car
A MEMBER of the public has been praised for quickly alerting the police after discovering a suspected machine gun in Co Armagh.
The weapon was discovered in an abandoned vehicle found in north Lurgan on Sunday.
Police said the silver Hyundai had fake number plates and had been parked in Deeny Drive for a few days before its discovery.
Upper Bann DUP MP David Simpson praised the person who found the gun and alerted the PSNI.
“It is likely that this weapon has been used in violent crime and I want to commend the member of the public for alerting police to the suspicious activity of the vehicle where the suspected machine gun was found,” he said.
Police forensic staff will now carry out their investigations and identify possible links to criminal activity, the MP added.
“It is deeply concerning that whoever abandoned the weapon did so with reckless intentions towards the local community.
“Police are currently looking for any further information. I urge anyone with any knowledge on the Silver Hyundai — EF65 HLH — to contact the PSNI immediately.”
A PSNI spokesman also appealed for information.
“Did you see this car being parked by anyone? Did you see anyone or any vehicles acting suspiciously in and around this vehicle over the past week?” he said. “If so, please contact detectives in Lurgan on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 401 15/01/18.”