Large Arsenal of Illegal Firearms Found in Merseyside Property

Five men have been charged after two suspected Skorpion sub machine guns and a self-loading pistol were recovered from a property in Litherland.

On Monday 15 July, officers executed a warrant at a property in Condron Road North and found the firearms inside the address.

The weapons have been recovered for forensic examination to establish if they are viable.

Today, Wednesday 17 July, detectives charged five men with Conspiring to possess firearms and Conspiring to possess ammunition. They are:

Josh Hayes, 32 years, of Ryefield Lane in Litherland
Anthony Bennett, 30 years, of Oriel Crescent in Kirkdale
James Harrison, 27 years, Akenside Street in Bootle
Georgie Medway, 20 years, of Rosalind Way in Bootle
Michael Caldwell, 38 years, of in Condron Road North in Litherland

Caldwell was also charged with three counts of Possession of a firearm without a certificate and three counts of Possession of prohibited ammunition.

The five men will appear at Liverpool Crown Court this morning, Wednesday 17 July.

Detective Superintendent Paul Speight said: “Our work to remove dangerous weapons from the streets of Merseyside remains ongoing on a daily basis.

“It is vital that members of our communities come forward with information so we can make our communities safer for the decent, law abiding people who live in areas affected by gun crime.

“Seizing firearms means they can no longer be used to cause fear or harm to our communities and I would encourage anyone who has information to come forward and tell us what they know.”

Anyone with information can DM @MerPolCC or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.