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3D printer 'gun parts' found in Manchester raid 3D printer 'gun parts' found in Manchester raid
(35 minutes later)
A 3D printer and suspected "homemade" gun components have been seized during police raids in Manchester.A 3D printer and suspected "homemade" gun components have been seized during police raids in Manchester.
A plastic magazine and trigger, which detectives suspect could be fitted together to make a firearm, were found in Wythenshawe on Thursday.A plastic magazine and trigger, which detectives suspect could be fitted together to make a firearm, were found in Wythenshawe on Thursday.
Greater Manchester Police said forensic experts were assessing whether the parts could make a genuine gun.Greater Manchester Police said forensic experts were assessing whether the parts could make a genuine gun.
A man has been arrested on suspicion of making gunpowder and remains in custody.A man has been arrested on suspicion of making gunpowder and remains in custody.
A force spokesman said if the tests showed the parts could make a functioning weapon, it would be the "first ever seizure of this kind in the UK". A force spokesman said if the tests showed the parts could make a functioning weapon it would be the "first ever seizure of this kind in the UK".
3D printing technology works by building up layer upon layer of material - typically plastic - to build complex solid objects.
The world's first gun made with 3D printer technology was successfully fired in the US in May.
The group that created the firearm, Defense Distributed, said it planned to make the blueprints available online.
At the time, Europe's law enforcement agency Europol said it it feared criminals would follow suit as the technology became cheaper and more user friendly.