A loaded sawn-off shotgun has been founded discarded in Leicester.
A woman found the 12-bore double barreled gun after she saw a man on a bike throw a package into bushes off Humberstone Road.
She became suspicious and went to investigate the bushes and found the gun wrapped in a bag.
Police have confirmed it contained a single cartridge.
Detectives said there could have been "devastating consequences" if a child had found the weapon.
Two primary schools are within a few hundred yards of the scene – at the junction of Bramall Road and Layton Road – at 4.20pm on Thursday, April 18.
Police said today the gun was "very rusty" and has 'H and H' inscribed on its side.
Detective Constable Grover Campbell said: "Thankfully this woman noticed this bag being dumped and called police straight away.
"It could have easily been found by a child and could have had devastating consequences as the gun did have a cartridge in it.
"We have been carrying out a forensic examination of the gun with a number of other inquiries continuing during the investigation.
"We would like to appeal to the public who may who this person is to contact us.
"He is described as black and was riding a distinctive purple small framed BMX bike with two silver foot stands on the back wheel.
"Did you see him in the area at this time? Do you know someone who owns or has been in your area with a bike like this?
"Please contact us with any information you may have. It's important to remind people that Crimestoppers is there to report information anonymously if you wish."
Contact Det con Campbell on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.
