A major police investigation was today under way after a high-powered sub-machine gun and live ammunition was found by a group of schoolboys.

Christopher Burke stumbled across the Uzi weapon while hiding in bushes in a field off Walker Drive, Girlington, as he played army games with friends during his ninth birthday party.

And his pal Paul Cranmer, 12, even tried to pull the trigger before they took the gun back to Christopher's home.

The Israeli-made weapon was found dumped in a blue box containing the ammunition and an instruction booklet.

Detectives believe the gun - one of the most powerful weapons of its type and capable of firing six 9mm rounds every second - could have been used in a serious crime.

Christopher, who lives in Walker Drive, said: "I thought it was a toy. My friend tried firing it but it didn't work.

"All we were doing was playing army. I ran home and showed it my granddad, and he called the police."

Christopher's granddad John, 52, said: "Someone could have been killed.

"It was an incredibly dangerous situation. Lots of rubbish is dumped in that field, but you don't expect to find a machine gun."

When police officers arrived and saw the gun they immediately summoned colleagues in an armed response team to collect it.

Forensic experts are now examining it for clues as to its history. Detective Chief Inspector Allan Doherty, of Toller Lane police, appealed for information. "I would like the public to help us because there is a possibility it has been used in a serious crime," he said.

"The gun could have been loaded and it could have been fired. It could have led to tragic consequences.

"I don't want people in the area to shield this person."

Christopher found the gun on Wednesday at about 5.45pm.

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