Two children discovered three guns in Heywood last night, Monday, as police vow to bring those responsible to justice.

Extra patrols will be in the Darnhill area over the next few days after two young children, aged seven and 10, discovered guns and ammunition on land off Argyle Street. 

Officers were called at 6.30pm and three firearms and ammunition were found.

All three weapons have been examined and are viable firearms, police have said.

No arrests have been made.

Inspector Jennifer Partington, of Greater Manchester Police's Rochdale district, said: "This sort of discovery will undoubtedly be unsettling for the community but we are determined to find out who owned the firearms and was reckless enough to try and hide them where they could be found by children.

"We have carried out a thorough search of the area and will have extra patrols in the area today and for the next few days.

"We would urge anyone who knows anything about these firearms to come forward and tell police.

"We would also warn anyone who makes a similar discovery not to touch the items but to call police immediately."

Anyone with information about this incident should contact police on 0161 856 8719 quoting log 2918-20/3/23.

Information can also be reported online or by using the LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk.

If you can't report online, call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.