Bispham teenagers find handgun and bullets on footpath near primary school

Teens found a revolver and ammo half-buried in grass while out near a primary school in Bispham.
By Matthew Calderbank
Published 19th Apr 2021, 12:33 GMT
Updated 19th Apr 2021, 14:08 GMT
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The gun was found near a footpath on land off Moor Park Avenue between a housing estate and the arboretum – a stone’s throw from Moor Park Primary School.

The youngsters called police, with officers seen searching hedges and undergrowth.

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One mum, who did not want to be named, said: “My 12-year-old son was out after school on his bike in Bispham and saw some older kids surrounding something on the ground.

The handgun - reportedly a revolver - was found next to a footpath near Tarragon Drive on the Carleton Lodge Farm estate, off Moor Park Avenue, at around 5pm on Thursday (April 15)The handgun - reportedly a revolver - was found next to a footpath near Tarragon Drive on the Carleton Lodge Farm estate, off Moor Park Avenue, at around 5pm on Thursday (April 15)
The handgun - reportedly a revolver - was found next to a footpath near Tarragon Drive on the Carleton Lodge Farm estate, off Moor Park Avenue, at around 5pm on Thursday (April 15)

"It was a gun covered in duct tape that had been buried with the bullets."

Lancashire Police said an investigation was opened.

A spokesman said: "We were called to Parsley Close, Bispham, just before 4pm [on Thursday] to reports a firearm had been found by a member of the public.

"Officers attended and found what is thought to be a revolver-type firearm and ammunition. They have been sent off for testing.

The handgun - reportedly a revolver - was found beside a footpath next to Tarragon Drive on the Carleton Lodge Farm estate, off Moor Park Avenue, Bispham at around 5pm on Thursday (April 15). Pic: GoogleThe handgun - reportedly a revolver - was found beside a footpath next to Tarragon Drive on the Carleton Lodge Farm estate, off Moor Park Avenue, Bispham at around 5pm on Thursday (April 15). Pic: Google
The handgun - reportedly a revolver - was found beside a footpath next to Tarragon Drive on the Carleton Lodge Farm estate, off Moor Park Avenue, Bispham at around 5pm on Thursday (April 15). Pic: Google
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"While an investigation has been launched to identify the owner of the items, no arrests have been made at this stage."

The land, known locally as the back fields, is a popular spot for dog walkers.

It runs from Moor Park Avenue to Holyoake Avenue, with a number of paths to Runcorn Avenue, Low Moor Road, Greenbanks, and Edmonton Place.

It has several football pitches used by local grassroots teams, including Layton Juniors, has a community orchard, and is on the North Blackpool Pond Trail.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting 0964 of April 15.