Arrest after key fob weapon found

A man was arrested after police seized a key fob gun during a stop and search in Greater Manchester.

The miniature firearms are small enough to clip a key ring and capable of firing two .22 bullets at close range.

The weapon was found after officers on patrol in Dukinfield on Friday night spotted a man acting suspiciously.

As well as the loaded weapon, police uncovered a can of CS spray and drugs. The 25-year-old man who was arrested is in police custody.

He is being questioned on suspicion of possession of a section one firearm and possession with intent to supply class A drugs.

Det Con Barbara Offord said: "It is concerning to see how weapons can be disguised to look like legitimate items, as in this case a key fob."

Such key fob weapons are often imported from Eastern Europe and have become a worrying novelty weapon for gang members.

The weapon, which fires two .22 bullets, is cocked by pulling part of the key ring.

Two buttons on the side of the box fire it and a third opens the device for reloading.

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