Four Men Busted in Major Firearms Supply Sting Across Northern England
Armed Raids Lead to Big Firearms Haul
The National Crime Agency’s Armed Operations Unit cracked down hard on gun crime in the north of England yesterday. Officers arrested four men linked to a major criminal firearms supply ring.
Three suspects were stopped during a dramatic armed intervention in Beech Road, Tingley, West Yorkshire around 3pm on Wednesday 22 April. Police recovered a handgun and ammunition at the scene.
Hours later, just after midnight, a fourth man was arrested in Redfearn Wood, Rochdale, Greater Manchester.
Joint Force Operation Hits Criminal Network
The intensive operation was backed by West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester Police. All four are now in custody and face questioning over the supply of illegal firearms.
NCA regional head Shane Williams said:
“This was a significant operation which resulted in the recovery of a firearm and associated ammunition.”
“We will continue to work closely with our partners to target criminal organisations involved in gun supply.”
Cutting Off the Gun Supply Is Top Priority
Williams added that criminal gangs use firearms to terrorise communities and that stopping the flow of guns is a key goal for UK law enforcement.
The NCA’s latest report confirms gun crime in the UK is low compared to other countries, but gangs still wield firearms to protect and expand their criminal empires.
Police Urge Public to Speak Out
Williams urged anyone with info on illegal guns or ammo to come forward, stressing the importance of public tips to law enforcement:
“If you know anything about illegal firearms, please contact the police or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”
Superintendent Danny Inglis from GMP’s Serious Organised Crime Group praised officers for the success and reassured Rochdale residents that police remain relentless in fighting serious crime.
