A CACHE of guns has been discovered at allotments.
The weapons were found behind a shed on the Newbottle site.
It is understood an allotment holder made the discovery at a plot near The Crescent.
Residents saw police in white overalls scouring the scene for hours following the find last Thursday.
Police also made door-to-door inquiries to see if anyone had noticed suspicious activity in the area in the days leading up to the discovery.
It has not yet been confirmed whether the guns found are real or replica, and tests are ongoing.
A police spokeswoman said: “We were called at 2.04pm on Thursday, February 28, to a report that items believed to be guns were dug up at allotments in Newbottle, Houghton.
“Officers attended and a number of items have been recovered and are being examined.”
One woman who lives near the allotment site said: “The police were here for ages.
“There were a couple of police cars and another one parked up the street.
“There were vans as well, and guys in white suits and everything.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.