A DOGWALKER stumbled upon a handgun in an alleyway in a Cheshire town.

The man's pet sniffed out the firearm while digging around between McNeill Avenue and Barnabas Avenue in Crewe.

Police were called to the scene in the early hours of Saturday, February 2, and recovered the weapon.

Enquiries are ongoing and officers are urging anyone across the county who might have information about the gun to come forward.

Superintendent Jo Marshall-Bell said: “Thankfully the firearm was found by a dog walker who immediately notified the police of his discovery in an alleyway near to Queens Park in Crewe.

“Officers quickly attended the scene and recovered the weapon and it is no longer a threat to the public.

“I would like to reassure residents that incidents involving firearms are extremely rare in Crewe.

“I would also like to reassure them that we are determined to establish how the handgun came to be in a public place and find whoever is responsible for it being left at that location.

“Enquiries are ongoing and I appeal to anyone who has witnessed anything suspicious in the area that may be linked to the discovery of the firearm to get in touch.

“The same goes for anyone with any other information that could be relevant to our investigation.”

Anyone with information that may aid the ongoing investigation, no matter how small, should call Cheshire Constabulary on 101, quoting IML 310764, or give the details via https://cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries.

Alternatively information can be given anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.