Boys find loaded sawn-off shotgun on playing field

The boys found the gun and bullets on Rice Lane Recreation Ground

A sawn-off shotgun loaded with live ammunition has been found by three teenagers on a playing field in Liverpool.

The 14-year-old boys were playing on Rice Lane Recreation Ground in Walton at about 20:20 BST on Saturday when they found the gun in a bag.

The double-barrelled shotgun had a live cartridge in each barrel and is now being forensically tested to see if it is linked to any shootings, Merseyside Police said.

Det Insp Chris Clark from the force's Firearms Investigation Team said the discovery was a "dangerous situation" which could have had fatal consequences.

"Thankfully the three boys knew the dangers this firearm posed and alerted police about it," he said.

"We are now forensically testing it to see if it is linked to any incidents.

"We are committed to taking weapons off our streets and, rest assured, if you tell us about any suspected possession or offences we will investigate."

He asked any members of the public who had information about the weapon to contact the force.