POLICE arrested a man on suspicion of possession of a firearm after a pursuit on the M62 last night.

Officers from Merseyside Police engaged in the pursuit of a motorbike travelling on the eastbound carriageway of the motorway at around 9pm on Saturday, June 19.

The motorcyclist was brought to a stop between junction 10 at Croft and and junction at 11.

Following a search of the rider, a firearm was located and was taken for forensic examination.

As a result, the M62 was closed in this area for more than three hours before reopening shortly before 12.30am today, Sunday.

A 32-year-old man from Salford was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm and taken to custody to be interviewed.

Detective chief inspector Matt Smith said: "This activity should serve as yet another reminder that we simply will not tolerate the use of guns in Merseyside, and will go to great lengths to stop people intent on bringing the misery of firearms to our communities.

"Where people seek to carry, transport or use dangerous weapons to cause fear and harm here in Merseyside we will devote time, energy and significant resources to bring them to justice and take their firearms off our streets.

“We will act on all information provided on gun crime to remove weapons and those who use them from the community.

"Our officers regularly carry out warrant, land searches and targeted vehicle stops such as this and if you come forward with what you know, directly or anonymously, we will do the rest."