A GUN discovered in a Bolton backstreet is undergoing forensic examination after being handed to police.

The imitation revolver was found by an elderly man from Great Lever in a skip at the rear of a shop on Newport Street in the town centre at lunchtime on Thursday and handed to counter staff at Bolton Central police station.

A police investigation was immediately launched and the gun was sent for tests but it is thought to be an army issue revolver dating back to around the time of Second World War.

No ammunition was found along with the weapon in the skip which was at the rear of the shop.