POLICE have given an update on their investigation after a man was arrested on suspicion of firearms and drugs offences in Prescot.

At around 9 am on Tuesday, March 8, police executed a firearms warrant at a property in Prescot.

Upon an "extensive search" of the property and a rear alleyway, officers found a loaded sawn-off shotgun, a stolen Yamaha motorbike, and a quantity of suspected cocaine - which was taken away for testing.

Following these finds, a 20-year-old man from Prescot was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm without a certificate; possession with intent to supply a Class A drug (cocaine); possession of a Class B drug (cannabis) and theft of a motor vehicle.

A police spokeswoman has since confirmed that the suspect has been released under investigation.

READ > Boy, 15, arrested on suspicion of having a gun 

After the warrant was executed, Inspector Bernie McHugh said: “Every time we recover a weapon, it means there is one less out there on the streets capable of being used to create fear and harm in our communities.

“This was a loaded and viable sawn-off shotgun, which in the wrong hands could clearly have inflicted very serious injury or worse.

“We know those who deal in illegal drugs use violence and intimidation in an effort to maintain their illicit business, and every seizure of drugs we make takes the source of drug dealers’ income out of circulation."

Residents are encouraged to inform police about any criminality on Twitter via DM at @MerPolCC or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.