POLICE have said it was lucky no-one was hurt after children playing close to a south Armagh market discovered a dumped gun on waste ground.
A firearms cabinet and ammunition were also found in the area close to the rear of Jonesborough market on Monday.
Police confirmed the items were stolen during a burglary in Lurgan earlier this month.
PSNI Sergeant Sam Hoey described those who dumped the gun as "despicable".
"We are extremely fortunate that no one was hurt. The fact that a child found it does not bear thinking about and we are grateful that no one was injured," he said.
"I am asking the local community to help us find those responsible. I would also ask parents to speak to their children and make them aware that if they come across any object which looks suspicious or dangerous they should never touch it but inform an adult immediately. Fortunately in this incident the children were able to do just that."
Dominic Bradley, SDLP assembly member for Newry and Armagh, said the situation "could have been much worse".
"This is very disturbing news. Those who stole this weapon and abandoned it have no regard whatsoever for the safety of local children and people," he said.
"Thankfully they told an adult but in other circumstances the outcome could have been quite different. I would appeal to anyone who can help the police with information that could to the arrest of those responsible to do so.
"There is also an obligation on those who legally hold firearms to ensure they are properly secured."
