Shocked Aberdeen residents have described the ‘scary’ moment they heard a firearm had been found in the communal gardens next to their flats.
Police arrived at the property on Great Northern Road at around 5.45pm on Tuesday evening and put a large cordon in place around a large three-storey block opposite The Crown pub.
The weapon which was found was removed by specialist officers.
Some people living there were told not to leave their flats, while others were told they had to enter and exit through the rear doors as officers preserved the scene.
And yesterday afternoon police could be seen using metal detectors, rakes and spades as the combed the area. Officers would not confirm what they were looking for.
The area remained cordoned off yesterday afternoon.
Joan Paton, 70, a retired shop worker who lives in the block, said: “I got back at about 5.45pm last night and saw all the police there. An officer told me that if we do leave the building to go out to leave through the back door because all the front was to be sealed off.
“It’s got to be something serious, you wouldn’t expect it to take this long. Nobody really knows much. It’s very strange.
“It’s quite scary seeing it all there and to think there was a gun. You don’t expect that in this area.”
Another resident who asked not to be named added: “When I got back from work the police were all round the back of the building. They were stopping people going through but wouldn’t say when anyone asked what they were doing.
“Then about three police cars came hurtling round the corner. There were loads of police there. They have been there ages.”
Detective Inspector Robin Sim, who is leading the investigation, said: “Our inquiries are at an early stage and we are trying to establish where the weapon has come from and how it got to where it was found.
“I would like to take this opportunity to stress that at no point has there been any threat to the public, and that the item has been safely recovered by specialist officers.
“There will be a police presence in the area while further enquiries are carried out.”
