Two pistols and a Glock 19 with ammunition were located wrapped in black bin bags, buried next to a tree near Hopwood Road in Middleton.
Rochdale’s Challenger organised crime unit had been acting on information that had been provided over the last week.
Yesterday (Tuesday) a cordon was put in place while officers, supported by GMP’s Specialist Operations, Tactical Aid Unit and Rochdale district officers, conducted a search to unearth and recover the weapons, which will now be forensically examined.
Detective Inspector Stuart Round said: “This was an intelligence led recovery of three firearms suspected of belonging to criminal networks who are associated with serious and organised crime.
“These are dangerous weapons, often used to threaten and cause serious risk and harm to people living within our community and their recovery is a great example of how we are acting on information that is provided to us and further protecting the public that we serve.”
If you have information, please call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or contact GMP via 101.
Ramsbottom Duck Race draws record crowds as event sells out
🟥 LIVE on Day Two from Vintage Vibes 2026 at the East Lancs Railway
Vintage Vibes turns Bury station into something you simply do not see anywhere else
RECAP from Vintage Vibes 2026 at the East Lancs Railway on Day One
Parents face over 12 days of more disruption as St Cuthbert’s strike action continues
Community groups across Oldham mark World Bee Day with local events
Oldham students paddle for children's hospital appeal
Oldham campaign aims to create 100 apprenticeships in 100 days
Andy Burnham launches election campaign in sunny Makerfield
Six-way battle looms for crucial final seat on Bury council in Moorside ward
Vintage Vibes returns to East Lancashire Railway with music and nostalgia packed weekend
Newhouse Academy receives national careers education award
