danger cache: Dead man’s huge collection of weapons at home

An officer carries out a pair of firearms from the South Yorkshire house of an avid weapons collector whose death sparked a mass evacuation.
Weapons being removed from the property in Penistone. Pictures: Ross Parry AgencyWeapons being removed from the property in Penistone. Pictures: Ross Parry Agency
Weapons being removed from the property in Penistone. Pictures: Ross Parry Agency

Hundreds of Second World War munitions including grenades, bullets, guns and mortar shells were discovered in the property on Sheffield Road in Penistone following the death of 51-year-old Martin Johnson, prompting the evacuation of 100 homes and businesses.

The arsenal was safely removed yesterday.

Chief Inspector Andy Hodgkinson said: “In my 26 years of policing I have never seen a collection of firearms or shells as significant as the one we discovered in that house.” pictures: ross parry

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