A GUN was discovered hidden inside a sofa at house in Tonge Moor after two men were threatened.

Police were called after three men approached the duo in Halliwell Road, Bolton, and “mentioned” a firearm, although one was not seen.

Officers were called at about 8.30pm on Thursday and inquiries lead them to a house in Huntroyde Avenue.

They searched the house, and a firearms dog sniffed out the gun concealed in the sofa. It was a German Luger pistol but it was not loaded and no ammunition was found.

A small amount of cannabis was also discovered.

Three men have been arrested and were last night being questioned. Supt Phil Davies, of Bolton police, said: “We are still in the early stages of the investigation and as with any firearm incident it is treated seriously. “This is an isolated incident and we do not believe their is any threat to the general public.”

It is not known if the gun was usable or if it is linked to any other crimes. Neighbours were shocked to learn of the discovery. They said police had been at the house all night.

One, who asked not to be named, said: “They were there when I went to bed and still there when I got up in the morning.

“I knew it must be something serious when they were there for that long. “I thought it was drugs or something, not a gun, that is a shock.

“The people had lived there a couple of years, we knew them to say hello to and they seemed pleasant.”