Rawthorpe youngsters find dumped sawn-off shotgun

Mar 29 2010 by Kevin Core, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Rawthorpe youngsters find dumped sawn-off shotgun

YOUNGSTERS out playing found a deadly shotgun dumped near their homes.

Now police are carrying out tests to see if the weapon may have been used in a crime.

The 11-year-old and two eight-year-olds were near waste ground at Brown Royd Avenue, Rawthorpe, at 5.30pm on Thursday when they made the discovery.

The boys and girls immediately sought out an adult and first came across a neighbour who contacted police.

As an investigation may follow, the parents have requested anonymity.

The neighbour who was told about the find by the children said: “The kids gave me a knock and I was shocked by what they were saying.

“When I went out I could see it was a pump-action shotgun and it had been rusted and burnt. There was no handle and it looked sawn off.

“We called the police and we’ve heard they’re investigating whether it’s been used in a crime.”

One of the children’s mothers added: “My son ran to tell me as my neighbour climbed over the fence to go and have a look.