Member of public dredges up sawn-off shotgun while magnet fishing in Luton park

Beds, Cambs and Herts armed policing unit tweeted: "Whilst magnet fishing at a park in Luton, a member of the public fished this viable sawn-off shotgun!

"Weapon has been now been collected by our ARV."

Magnet fishing in public is illegal in the United Kingdom and is described as "extremely dangerous" by The Canal & River Trust.

The Trust states: "Items dragged out by magnets could be sharp or heavy and cause you to be dragged into the water.

"We’ve even had reports of people fishing out old war bombs and dumped weapons."

The only time the practice is allowed is on private property, with a special permit from The Canal & River Trust.

Bedfordshire Police has been contacted for more information regarding the retrieved gun.