POLICE have seized an AK-47 and a stash of machine guns during a raid to smash a weapons store.

More than 20 armed officers, executing a drugs and firearms warrant, swooped on a house in Longsight.

Six guns, including the assault rifle, a home made sub-machine gun, two Ingram Mac-10 machine guns, an Enfield revolver and an Urwin Dale self-loading pistol were discovered at the semi-detached house on Keddleston Avenue.

Officers also seized 450 bullets, a crossbow, 150 ecstasy tablets and a quantity of cannabis bush.

The guns are now being examined to try and establish whether they have been used in any crimes.

Chief Supt David Keller, the divisional commander for the metropolitan district which includes Whalley Range, Moss Side, Hulme and Longsight said: "I will not tolerate guns or drugs on the streets of Manchester. My priority is to get them off the streets, save lives and lock up offenders.

"This operation, along with other recent successes shows GMP's determination to deal with gun crime.

"This has led to a dramatic reduction in the number of firearms incidents in the area."

The AK-47 is the world's most prolific combat weapon. It fires more than 600 rounds a minute up to a range of around 1,000 metres.

The operation was carried out by officers from the Metropolitan division, the firearms unit and Xcalibre, GMP's squad which responds to gun crime.

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of possessing firearms and drugs.

A statement from GMP said: "Shortly after 5am on Thursday 28 August 2008, police executed a warrant at an address on Keddleston Avenue, Longsight. During the search prohibited firearms were recovered.

"Two people have been arrested on suspicion of possessing firearms and drugs and are currently being interviewed by officers. Inquiries are continuing."