POLICE launched an investigation this week after a rucksack containing guns and ammunition was discovered in a garden.
It is thought the stash, uncovered in a back garden in Oswaldtwistle, was found by a resident who immediately called the police.
The backpack, which is thought to have contained a shot gun, a hand gun, ammunition and a balaclava, was found at the back of a house in Orchard Drive on Sunday afternoon.
This week Accrington CID refused to confirm the exact contents of the bag, but said: "We are conducting a forensic examination of the items found and we would appeal to anyone who may be aware of the circumstances that led to it being dumped at the location, to contact us."
Stunned residents on the recently-built estate reported seeing police swoop just after midday.
One neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: "There were police cars on the street in the afternoon and a police car was parked outside a house in the evening."
Another resident reported the police helicopter had been flying overhead.
It is thought the bag may have been thrown over the garden fence from a footpath running along the back of the rear garden.
The resident who found the bag refused to comment.
Anyone with information can call Accrington CID on 353741.
