Burglars warned over unsafe gun

Raiders took the firearm along with a haul of saddles during a break-in at the village of Irton, near Scarborough.

North Yorkshire Police officers have now urged the offenders to hand in the stolen Midland Gun Company single shot 12-bore shotgun to prevent somebody being seriously injured.

Pc Philip Charlton, who is investigating the burglary, said: “I am appealing to anyone who has any information about this burglary and theft to come forward straight away.

“I am especially concerned for the safety of the person in possession the shotgun. The firearm is in such a poor state of repair that it will pose a serious danger to anybody who attempts to fire it. I urge that it is handed in to the nearest police station immediately.”

The burglary happened at stables on the Irton Moor Lane at some time between 7am and 4.45pm on Thursday last week, although police only released details yesterday. Anyone with information can contact Pc Charlton on 0845 6060247.