Neighbours shocked by arsenal of weapons (From Worcester News)

Neighbours shocked by arsenal of weapons

7:10am Tuesday 7th September 2010 in

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AN ARSENAL of guns, missiles, grenades and ammunition was seized in a police raid that included the Army and bomb squad.

Graham Lane, 65, was arrested on suspicion of possession of an illegal firearm at a semi-detatched home in Kilbury Drive, Worcester, and was taken to the city’s police station yesterday. He was later released on bail.

Witnesses said more than 30 guns, including rifles and shotguns, and a gun cabinet were removed from the house.

Police had arrived at about 8.45am followed by forensics and the bomb disposal unit.

“I was shocked at the amount of guns in a semi-detached house in a quiet estate”

Neighbour

The guns were placed in green bags and stowed in a metal trailer parked outside the house before they were towed away by a white van.

In the afternoon your Worcester News reporter saw rockets, shells, rocket launchers, grenades and ammunition being bagged up outside the house.

At the peak of the incident there were about 15 officers involved and nine police vehicles, including marked and unmarked cars and vans.

Neighbours gathered in their gardens in the quiet street to watch the drama unfold.

A woman who declined to be named said: “I was shocked at the amount of guns in a semi-detached house in a quiet estate.”

A man, who also declined to be identified, said: “We are shocked and surprised. It’s a quiet residential street. Nothing like this happens. I was shocked by how many guns I was seeing coming out the door. There was a whole arsenal of weapons. I have lived here about 40 years and I have never seen anything like it.”

A neighbour, who also did not want to be identified, believed the man arrested was involved in a historical re-enactment group.

She said: “He built the garage to store a cannon, but he had a licence for that. He’s a decent bloke, a very polite and very nice neighbour.”

West Mercia Police said officers executed a warrant at 8am, and after searching the house called in the bomb disposal team as a precaution. A 65-year-old man remained in custody as your Worcester News went to press.

Inspector John McKay said at the scene: “One person has been arrested on suspicion of possession of an illegal firearm. As a result of that we’re carrying out a search of the house. I’m not going to elaborate on the investigation because it’s still at an early stage.

“During our search we discovered some munitions. We asked the Army to come in and keep them safe for us. The only reason the Army has been called is because they have the experts to handle the munitions. I’m not qualified to say what the munitions are.”

Insp McKay declined to confirm how many guns and other weapons had been seized.

• Speaking to your Worcester news earlier today, Mr Lane said: "Everything they took away is licensed and lawful. I don’t wish to comment further."