A MAN and his wife have appeared before Blackburn magistrates charged with possession of a sawn off shotgun.

Tommy Smith, 41, and Mary Smith, 41, both of Meadow Street, Great Harwood, were sent to Burnley Crown Court charged with possession of a firearm with a barrel less than 60cm in length.

Tommy Smith was remanded in custody until he appears at the Crown Court on July 5. Mary Smith was remanded on bail until the same date. Conditions of her bail are residence at the family home in Meadow Street and reporting to Greenbank police station twice a week.

Tracy Yates, prosecuting, told the court the .410 calibration shotgun, which was loaded, was recovered from a barbecue at the rear of the Smith’s home.

A 36-year-old man from York also arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm has been released under investigation.

Police attended the site on Sunday, June 3 and Monday, June 4 and seized a number of allegedly stolen vehicles. Other vehicles were also seized under proceeds of crime legislation.

A 30-year-old man from Brierfield and a 27-year-old woman from Blackburn arrested on suspicion of money laundering have been released under investigation.