TERROR WARNING: Guns smuggled into UK via post ‘could lead to Paris-style attack'
ONLINE shopping sites are allowing criminals to smuggle a trove of guns into Britain which could lead to a Paris-style attack, a police chief has chillingly warned.
Guns are being sent using online shopping systems into the UK
Weapons are being sent frequently through the “fast parcel system” and could land in the hands of terrorists, according to Dave Thompson, chief constable of West Midlands Police.
Once firearms are in the country, it is feared officers will be battling to prevent a Paris-style attack in the UK.
Dave Thompson (left) fears guns could fall into terrorists' hands
Mr Thompson joined the West Midlands force from Greater Manchester Police in 2010.
In the same year he led the 2010 review of National Counter Terrorism structures and has headed the National Gangs portfolio and the Criminal use of Firearms portfolio since 2011.
Fears it could leave the UK facing a Paris style attack
He said six or seven years ago it was more common to see 10 guns concealed in cars being stopped at Dover, but this was now happening less.
He said: ”What's become more of a feature is weapons through the fast parcel system, individual items coming through”
Criminals are using new tactics to try to get banned items into the country, including sending them in small parts.
Mr Thompson added: "We have to watch a trend of disassembling the weapons and sending them in component parts."
The attack saw 130 people struck down in the French capital
But once weapons are smuggled into in Britain it is feared they could fall into terrorist hands.
He added: "We can't safeguard ourselves by relying on criminals who might have access to firearms to have benign intent."