Detectives have now charged a suspect following the discovery of an improvised firearm and ammunition.
A so-called ‘slam gun’ was recovered from woodland, near Worksop, following a call from the public back in June.
Officers responding to the report attended Carlton Woods, Carlton in Lindrick, where they found a shopping bag containing metal poles.
Following closer inspection, this was confirmed to be a makeshift firearm, while the bag had several shotgun cartridges inside it too.
Detectives have been investigating since the discovery was made on 28 June, and have subsequently managed to identify a suspect following extensive inquiries.
Led by this, officers executed a warrant at a Worksop address on Monday (8 December), where they managed to detain and arrest Christopher Oaks.
The 43-year-old suspect has now been charged with possessing a prohibited weapon (automatic).
Oaks, of Lowther Square, Carlton in Lindrick, attended Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (9 December) morning.
He was bailed with strict conditions ahead of his next appearance at Nottingham Crown Court on 6 January next year.
Detective Inspector James Oakton, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:
“This charge follows several months of investigative work, so we’re pleased to see a suspect now appear in court.
“I’d also like to thank the members of the public who made this discovery and then did the right thing by immediately flagging it with the police.
“Their actions ultimately resulted in us being able to take a potentially lethal firearm off the streets and out of harm’s way.
“It should really go without saying but any incident relating to a firearm – whether that be a viable handgun or an improvised one like a slam gun – is an incredibly serious offence.
“As such, we will always take reports of this nature seriously and look to do whatever we can to identify and prosecute anyone we suspect could be involved in this activity.”
