Police have found a second shotgun and shells after carrying out an extensive search of a West Swindon children's play park.
This comes after a group of primary schoolchildren happened upon what was suspected to be an abandoned shotgun at Westlea Park while playing there on Friday.
Officers attended at the time, made the weapon safe and removed it from the scene, but on Saturday a large police presence descended on the area to look for more.
Specialist officers and volunteers from Wiltshire Search and Rescue and Lowland Rescue Oxfordshire carried out an extensive search throughout the afternoon.
It has now been revealed that another firearm, also a shotgun, and shells had been left in the park as well.
A spokesperson confirmed this in a statement released today: "Specialist officers have concluded a search of Westlea Park in Swindon following the discovery of a discarded shotgun yesterday.
"During the subsequent search, officers discovered a second shotgun and a number of shotgun shells that had been left in the area.
"It is believed that these were discarded after being stolen during a recent burglary. Our enquiries are ongoing."
The search party were all armed with long sticks which they were using to search through long grass, streams, overgrowth and bushes in the park.
They were doing searches area-by-area with everyone lining up and were lining up and moving together as one group.
A command centre had been set up in the area of grass right next to the children's play park itself.
Wiltshire Search and Rescue commented: "Busy and slightly different day for our volunteers yesterday, working alongside officers to ensure there is no further risk to the public."
Detective Inspector Lucy Thorne said: “We are grateful to the members of the public who called us immediately to alert us to these discarded items.
“It goes without saying that leaving firearms in a public area is incredibly irresponsible. Having conducted a thorough search we are now confident that the area is now safe and that there is no ongoing threat.
“I would like to thank the local community for their support and patience.”
Members of the public are advised to always call the police on 999 if they find any kind of discarded weapon or suspicious device.
They are also told not to touch it and warn others to stay away.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here