Child finds World War II-era pistol at Eltham North open for inspection
A “shocked” young boy poking around at an open for inspection in Eltham North on the weekend got more than he bargained for upon opening a laundry cupboard.
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A curious young boy made a shocking discovery after pulling out three guns — including a World War II-era pistol — from a hidden safe at an open for inspection in Melbourne’s northeast on Saturday.
The nine-year-old found the weapons while poking around the deceased estate in Eltham North.
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Police were called, and the three guns were surrendered without incident about 1pm from a house in Ryans Rd.
House hunter Alex Porqueddu had been inspecting the property and said his friend’s nine-year-old son uncovered the guns in an unlocked safe.
Mr Porqueddu said the steel box was concealed in a cupboard built into a brick wall in the laundry area.
He said one of the handguns was a World War II-era looking pistol that had what looked like an in-built silencer.
He said his friend’s child was “very surprised” when he realised what he had found.
“He was the first to pull them out, he told me straight away,” he said.
“He’s played computer games and all that but sort of seeing it for the first time in real life he was a bit shocked.”
Mr Porqueddu, from Eltham North, said he made sure the guns weren’t loaded and ensured they were safe before telling the real estate agent and calling police.
“The woman who answered the triple-0 call was a bit freaked out, but the coppers were onto it straight away. They were in the area.”
Mr Porqueddu said the house, 109-111 Ryans Rd, appeared to be owned by a gun enthusiast, with a big safe room downstairs.
The online listing said “the under house is impressively large with a security room, huge workshop and a triple garage”.
Jellis Craig Eltham director Tom Kurtschenko said “the situation was quickly under control”.
He said the safe was well hidden and it was the first time they had realised the guns were accessible.
“As soon as it was alerted to us, the precautions were taken to make sure it was safe for everyone and the police were called straight away,” he said.
Police said the three guns did not have ammunition.