Police in Manchester recovered a gun from a stolen vehicle following a pursuit through Fallowfield.
Officers chased a stolen black Audi S3 travelling at speed on Fog Lane at around 9.20pm on Saturday 19 January.
One of the suspects was seen with a sawn-off shotgun upon abandoning the vehicle on Wilbraham Road.
Following a search of the area, with assistance from the police helicopter, a shotgun – believed to be the one seen earlier on – was recovered from a garden on Wilbraham Road and is now undergoing forensic testing.
Chief Inspector John Harris of GMP’s City of Manchester Division, said: “In these set of circumstances, the quick-thinking actions are really testament to the officers’ professionalism and determination to bring a stop to those intent on causing our communities harm.
“Today, we are able to say we’ve got one more firearm off our streets. That’s one more gun out of the hands of criminals, one more that cannot be used in any further senseless crime.
“With support from our specialist colleagues, we’ll continue in our fight to reduce gun crime across Greater Manchester and do our utmost to pursue those who carry weapons and cause the most fear.
“While analysis and evidential enquiries continue, I ask anyone who saw three men in the area of Wilbraham Road last night acting suspiciously or anyone who has information they think may help us, to get in touch.
“Often with incidents like this, your information is what helps us form our greatest intelligence.”