The discovery of almost 60 firearms in Bradford during a major police operation has been branded “horrifying” and "disturbing."

Police, including armed officers, seized the arsenal of guns during a nationwide operation which involved five police forces around the country.

The collection of 59 firearms was seized following searches at a house and business premises in the city, after an earlier traffic stop.

Police said a vehicle was stopped in Old Road, Horton Bank Top, on Tuesday, June 6, and a 49-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply prohibited weapons.

Following the arrest, police searched a house and business premises in Bradford, recovering 59 firearms.

The work was part of an operation carried out under the command of the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit, and also involved police in the West Midlands, South Yorkshire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside.

Councillor Sinead Engel (Labour, Clayton) said she was shocked to hear about the incident.

She said: “I’m fairly horrified that this kind of cache of equipment was around, especially in what you feel is a peaceful and civilised area. I’m very grateful to police for finding the weapons and getting rid of them. The work of the police has taken this collection of weapons off the streets and to somewhere where they cannot do anyone any harm.”

Councillor Val Slater (Labour, Royds) also praised the police for their work on the seizures.

She said: “It’s disturbing that this kind of thing is happening, but if the police have tackled it, it will get the weapons off the streets, which is a good thing.”

Pamela Bradley, owner of Old Road Fisheries, said she didn’t see any activity near her shop on Tuesday, but added: "I’m absolutely dumbfounded. Old Road is just a lovely little street, it’s scary that this has happened.”

As part of the same operation, a vehicle was also stopped on the A38 in the West Midlands and two people, aged 45 and 37, were arrested on suspicion of possessing prohibited weapons, with six handguns seized.

A vehicle was stopped in Meadowhall Road, Sheffield, and a 24-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of possessing a prohibited weapon.

Two handguns were recovered. Three handguns were also seized in the Rochdale area after a vehicle was recovered. All four men who were arrested have been released pending further inquiries.

In total, 88 firearms have been seized as part of the operation.