Firearm found during litter pick in Plymouth

Founders of Clean Our Patch CIC said they called 101 as soon as they discovered the weapon during the litter pick

A gun was found during a litter pick in Plymouth by a local Community Interest Company (CIC).

Clean Our Patch CIC said they found the firearm while litter picking in the Peverell area of the city on Wednesday.

El Clarke, who was part of the group that found it, said they alerted police and described the discovery as "scary".

Devon and Cornwall Police said investigations into where the gun came from were ongoing.

El Clarke said the gun and a bullet were found in a carrier bag

Ms Clarke said: "It was just in a carrier bag and as soon as I saw the bullet, we knew it was real."

She said the group have found cap guns, needles, and knives in the past, but never a real gun.

"All of the knives that we find are handed into the police," she added.

El Clarke said if anyone comes across a weapon they should not touch or move it

Ms Clarke said: "We are really proud of the fact we do remove these things from the community and ensure the safety of people.

"If you do come across a weapon, call the police. We called 101 and they put it as priority. Also, don't touch it or move it."

Police said they were notified at about 11:30 BST on Wednesday that a firearm had been found "hidden in undergrowth" on the edge of Central Park.

Officers removed the weapon, which police said appeared to have been there for "some time" and was not in a "state where it would be able to be fired".

They said: "It has been examined and confirmed it is a replica. When all investigations are completed, it will be destroyed.

"We would like to thank the member of the public for reporting the find."