Police raid 'Britain's first possible 3D gun factory' in Manchester

Police have recovered a suspected plastic magazine, a 3D printer and homemade trigger-like device during a raid in Wythenshawe.

15:53 25 October 2013

During a raid that was conducted on Thursday, police have recovered a suspected plastic magazine, trigger, and 3D printer in Wythenshawe.

Initially, the detectives said that the parts were a “plastic magazine and trigger” that could make a “viable” gun. However, Asst Ch Con Steve Heywood later corrected the statement and said: "We need to be absolutely clear that at that this stage, we cannot categorically say we have recovered the component parts for a 3D gun.

The man who was arrested during the raid said that the parts were sections of the 3D printer. He said: "It's nothing to do with a gun whatsoever.

"I have no idea why they think it is part of a gun. It's designed by the company that makes the printer to go in the printer to make it better."

Meanwhile, Mr Heywood added: "Clearly the fact we have seized a 3D printer and have intelligence about the possible production of a weapon using this technology is of concern. It is prudent we establish exactly what these parts can be used for and whether they pose any threat."

The world's first gun made with 3D printer technology was successfully fired in the US in May. The company behind the blueprint, Defense Distributed, released the plans online.

As the technology became cheaper and more efficient for home use, those in charge of gun control faced a major predicament. It is expected that this recent raid on one suspect will be followed by many others in the near future.