A FIREARM has been recovered after it was hidden in a bag in Hindley.

A metallic blue Clio was spotted driving along Castle Hill Road at about noon on Tuesday before the car stopped and a black sports holdall was placed in a wooded area.

Officers later found the bag - which was down a dirt track which was covered by trees - contained a sawn off shotgun and two rounds of ammunition.

DC Lynsey Watson said: "This is an excellent result, both for Greater Manchester Police but more importantly for the community.

"We may never know what this gun was intended for, but taking it off the streets means there is now one less weapon that could cause serious injury or even a fatality and a rob a family of a loved one.

"We will be conducting a thorough investigation to find anyone who has had any involvement with this weapon and I would ask anyone with information to contact police.

"Tackling gun crime and identifying those who use, carry or hide firearms is something we are absolutely committed to.

"Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 7225 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

The weapon was recovered just over a week after the GMP firearms amnesty came to a close on July 26.

Hundreds of weapons and thousands of rounds of ammunition were surrendered during the two week period as the people of Greater Manchester give up the gun.

Even though the amnesty is over, police are urging any members of the public to dispose of the firearm or ammunition by taking it to a local police station and handing it in.

Surrendering unwanted or unlicensed weapons avoids the risk of them falling into the wrong hands.

Anyone with information about those in possession of firearms or anyone involved in the sale and supply of guns and ammunition should call the Xcalibre Task Force on 0161 8564292.