Possible handgun vanishes in Oxford as police hunt for man

The possible firearm was found by a member of the public behind Tesco in Avenue Lane, near Union Street just before 4.30pm on Sunday, July 19.

The person who discovered the item left it unattended for about 90 seconds to meet a police officer, but when they returned, the suspected handgun was gone.

Officers carried out a thorough search of the area with support from the National Police Air Service (NPAS) and armed response teams, but the item was not found.

Thames Valley Police have released CCTV images of a man officers would like to speak to in relation to an incident where a member of the public has reported seeing a possible discarded handgun in Oxford. (Image: Thames Valley Police)

Detective Sergeant Pete Warne of Oxford CID said: “I am appealing for the man in the images to please contact Thames Valley Police as you may be able to assist us in our enquiries.

“The man pictured is not a suspect, but we believe he may have information to assist us in our investigation.

“Although imagery suggests the item is unlikely to be a viable weapon, naturally we cannot confirm this until we locate it.”

The man officers want to identify is described as in his fifties, of average height and slim build, with a tanned complexion.

He was wearing a blue T-shirt, light blue jeans, white trainers, a white baseball cap, and black headphones.

He was also carrying a black backpack.

Anyone who was in the area around 4.30pm on Sunday or who may have picked up the item is urged to contact Thames Valley Police on 101 or via the force’s website, quoting reference 43260370095.