Potential gun discovery: Community left 'very concerned'

One ward councillor has called the incident "very alarming" and said it is "scary to find a potential firearm on our doorstep".

There is a large police cordon around a grassed area off Silk Street, near Lister Mills, following the discovery on Tuesday afternoon.

A member of the public spotted a police presence and footage seen by the Telegraph & Argus appears to show officers examining foliage at the side of a building in the cobbled street.

Three police cars and a cordon can also be seen in the video.

A police van at the scene. (Image: Newsquest)
The resident told the T&A that the community said "two young kids were playing" and found a "real gun" - though this has not been confirmed by police.

When the T&A visited the scene on Wednesday morning, a police van was parked near the cordon. 

Councillor Fozia Shaheen (Lab, Toller) spoke of her concern about the incident and urged people to contact police with any information. 

She said: "It is a very concerning matter especially with the kids discovering it.

Officers continue to investigate (Image: Newsquest) "It is important everyone is reassured that the police are dealing with it.

"It is important that nobody goes in and around that area.

"We and the police are taking it seriously."

Cllr Shaheen added: "To people who live in and around that area if there is any suspicious activity or if they know anything, please do contact the police.

"At the moment, it is very early stages and the police are investigating."

The area that has been cordoned off (Image: Newsquest) Councillor Atira Malik (The Bradford Independents Group, Toller) said: "Rightfully the public are concerned about the potential firearm that has been discovered. 

"It is very alarming and a big concern for the public that young people came into contact with a potential firearm.

"As a young person myself who represents the Toller Ward, I can imagine how scary it is to find a potential firearm in our doorstep, and I am hoping more can be done to prevent such incidents from reoccurring."

Cllr Malik added: "I have been engaging with the ward officers and have been assured that the police are doing everything they can do investigate this incident.

"I urge anyone from the public that has any information to contact the police on 101 or contact crimestoppers anonymously and they can pass the information on. 

"I will be engaging with the local police officers in the near future to discuss the presence of officers in the Toller ward, and what is been done to prevent any crime or related firearm crimes taking place."

Officers were called to the scene at about 1.40pm on Tuesday, where a "potential firearm" had been spotted in bushes.

West Yorkshire Police said the item was recovered from the scene.

A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police told the Telegraph & Argus: "Police are appealing for witnesses following the discovery of a potential firearm in Bradford. 

"Bradford District CID would like to speak to anyone who can assist enquiries as they continue to investigate the discovery of the item in bushes near Manningham Mills on Lilycroft Road 

"Officers were called to the scene at about 1.36pm [Tuesday] by members of the public who noticed what they thought was a firearm in bushes there. 

"Officers attended, established a police scene, and recovered the item."

The spokesperson added: "A number of enquiries remain ongoing at the location and anyone who can assist enquiries is asked to contact Bradford CID on 101 referencing police log 834 of August 6."

"Information can also be given online at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/livechat or anonymously on 0800 555 111."