Bullet-proof vest found in wardrobe

Found hanging in a wardrobe like any other piece of clothing – this is the bullet-proof vest uncovered by police during a morning raid on a house in Wolverhampton.

The white jacket was seized along with this loaded .38 Smith & Wesson handgun, which was wrapped in a scarf, as officers from the anti-gun and gang Operation Engage team swooped on the house in Bushbury. One woman has already appeared in court following the seizure, which happened at a house in Alton Close.

Another man remained in police custody today after being arrested on Wednesday, Det Sgt Mick Postin, from the Wednesfield-based Operation Engage, said today: "Contrary to what people might believe, firearms are still rare in Wolverhampton.

"This operation shows that we will take whatever action is necessary to take guns off the streets when we have information that they are available.

"People need to be aware that possession of a firearm carries a minimum of five years in jail and we will use all our resources to prosecute people with links to the weapons.

"We'd like to hear from anyone who knows about guns in Wolverhampton and we will take whatever action is necessary."

Candace Samuels, aged 25, of Alton Close, has been charged with possession of the firearm and money laundering offences following Tuesday morning's raid.

Two men arrested in connection with Tuesday's operation have been released on bail pending further investigations.

Recent successes for Operation Engage include the jailing of a gunman who shot a rival when a long-running feud exploded into terrifying violence in Wolverhampton.

Richard Beckles was given a 12-year sentence for firing his revolver twice at 36-year-old Seymour Quarrie from a car parked in Low Hill.

And the team secured a 13-year sentence for Wolverhampton drug dealer Christopher Reid, known as Yardie, whose yellow Porsche with a Y9RDY number plate was a familiar sight around the Black Country.

* Anyone with information on weapons should contact Wednesfield police on 0845 113 5000 or telephone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.