3D Gun Parts Found By Greater Manchester Police

25 October 2013, 08:10 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Police raids in Wythenshawe have recovered parts for a gun made from a 3D printer, thought to be the first of its kind in the UK

Component parts for what could be the UK's first ever 3D gun have been seized by Greater Manchester Police.

As part of Challenger, the largest ever multi-agency operation to target organised criminality in Manchester, officers from Greater Manchester Police executed a series of warrants in the Baguley area yesterday (24th October)

During the searches, officers found a 3D printer and what is suspected to be a 3D plastic magazine and trigger which could be fitted together to make a viable 3D gun.

It they are found to be viable components for a 3D gun, it would be the first ever seizure of this kind in the UK.

The parts are now being forensically examined by firearms specialists to establish if they could construct a genuine device.

A man has been arrested on suspicion of making gunpowder and remains in custody for questioning.

The technology works by allowing anyone who has a 3D printer - which can be bought on the high street for about £1,200 - to download designs for guns or components.

The printers themselves squirt molten plastic to produce 3D shapes of whatever design has been downloaded.

The model can then be converted to become a genuine firearm capable of firing bullets.