Samurai sword and crossbow among weapons found by police after reports of masked gangs on Skelmersdale estates

Feb 9 2012 by Rob Pattinson, Skelmersdale Advertiser

A SAMURAI sword, meat cleaver and crossbow were among a stash of weapons found in a car after police responded to reports of gangs of masked men stalking Skelmersdale estates.

The shocking haul was uncovered in a red Honda Civic after reports of a disturbance on Ennerdale at around 1.45pm on Sunday.

A group of 10 to 15 hooded and masked men approached officers when they arrived before making off from the scene.

Days later, at 12.35am on Tuesday, a gang of 15 to 30 men were reported to be gathering on nearby Eskbank.

When police arrived they fled, but two cars – a silver Honda Civic and a gold BMW X5 – were found at the scene.

The Honda was trashed and the BMW had bodywork damage.

A home on the same street had the glass panels of its front door and a downstairs window smashed with what police believe was a pitchfork.

A knife was also recovered from the scene.

It is unclear at this stage if the two incidents are connected, but police are now appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

Insp Sue Swift said: “We are dealing with two serious violent incidents that are being fully investigated by detectives. “We are working with the community to find out further information as to what has happened.

“There are people that would have seen what went on and we would appeal for them to come forward and speak to us.

“Use of weapons in this way will not be tolerated.”

The three cars involved have been seized and will be forensically examined.

Police are also appealing for information on a black Volkswagen Passat seen nearby at the Eskbank incident on Tuesday.

Three men have been arrested for affray in connection with the Tuesday disturbance.

A 45-year-old, 30-year-old and 54-year-old have been released on police bail until April 20 pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information can contact West Lancs police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.