Armed raids across Liverpool recover a deadly Skorpion, linked to three brutal murders, plus drugs and cash, as detectives crack down on gang terror

A deadly Skorpion submachine gun linked to three notorious Liverpool murders has been taken off the streets as police smashed a major gang in a sweeping raid across the city. The weapon, which can fire an astonishing 900 rounds per minute, was uncovered alongside a haul of weapons, drugs and tens of thousands of pounds in cash during a highly coordinated operation conducted by Merseyside Police.

The two‑year investigation, focused on dismantling an infamous North Liverpool crime network, came to a climax as armed officers raided a series of properties. In the sting, five suspects were arrested, and a treasure trove of weapons and contraband was uncovered — including the Czech‑made Skorpion, two other pistols, a mountain of ammunition, 45kg of cannabis, large quantities of ketamine, and roughly £86,000 in cash, believed to be the proceeds of the gang’s brutal grip on the area.

The Skorpion submachine gun is a weapon long associated with terror on Liverpool’s streets. Police say this very model has been used in the murders of Sam Rimmer, Ashley Dale and Elle Edwards — three names that shook the city in 2022, when gang‑linked shootings claimed the lives of these young people. The discovery marks a significant step in the ongoing campaign to eradicate the guns and gangs that have blighted Liverpool for too long.

Detective Inspector Chris Carlin, leading the investigation, said the operation was a victory for families across the city. “Innocent lives have been torn apart by gang culture. Our priority is to remove these weapons and the drugs that fuel this misery from our communities. This raid is the result of years of tenacious policing, and it sends a very strong message — we will continue to work relentlessly to remove dangerous weapons, drugs and gang leaders from our streets.”

The arrests have been met with a mix of relief and skepticism across Liverpool. For too long, gangland shootings and brutal turf wars have terrorised neighbourhoods and torn apart families. The names of Sam Rimmer, Ashley Dale and Elle Edwards still haunt the city, their memories a constant reminder of the cost of this violence.

While this latest seizure is a critical blow to the gangs, questions remain about its long‑term impact. Will these high‑profile arrests and weapons seizures end the epidemic of gang violence blighting British cities? Or is this just the tip of the iceberg — one victory in a much longer and harder battle?

Police have pledged to maintain their focus. “We will not rest until every dangerous weapon and gang member is off our streets,” said DI Carlin. “The public can help by reporting anything suspicious — every piece of information can save a life. Together, we can create a city where families can walk the streets without fear.”

As Liverpool grapples with its turbulent underworld, one thing is certain: the pressure on gangs is intensifying. But only time will tell if these victories mark the beginning of a safer chapter — or simply a brief reprieve in a long and brutal struggle.