Swindon residents living close to the discovery of a firearm near a school have spoken out about what they fear could have happened if a child had found it.
Police officers were sent to reports of a pistol being discovered a stone’s throw from Millbrook Primary School in Freshbrook Village Centre this morning (13 October).
The gun, believed to be a powerful air weapon, was located close to Aurora Dental and Implant Clinic – approximately 40 metres from a well-used pedestrian entrance to the school.
The scene was in place between The Grill and Fish Bar, Facechoice Pharmacy and Elsie Hazell Court for several hours. All establishments remained open during the incident.
Five detectives from Swindon CID alongside local officers were in attendance.
“It’s unbelievable really, it’s right next to a school and what do they do? Leave a gun there”, a local resident, who did not wish to be named, told Wiltshire 999s.
Adding: “What if a kiddy picked it up? It’s lucky one of the littles ones didn’t find it and shoot someone by accident. These things happen, it’s pretty scary to think about.”
Another, who gave her name as Kirsty and claimed to live in a nearby street, said she thinks the weapon could be connected to the recent shooting in Toothill, a nearby estate.
“It’s probably to do with that shooting at the weekend. There’s always drug dealers hanging around on that corner and they do it in broad daylight, even kids come and buy [drugs] from them.
“There will be another [shooting] soon if things carry on this like this. Forget knives, it’s guns now and every dealer or gang member will want a bigger and better one.”
Wiltshire Police did not confirm if the find was linked to the shooting in Warneford Close on Friday evening.
A spokesperson for the force gave this statement: “Earlier today we were called to Freshbrook Village Centre, in Swindon, due to an air pistol being located.
“Officers are currently at the scene, carrying out enquiries.
“We want to reassure the local community that there is no threat to the wider public.”
