South Melbourne police arrest man and woman with loaded firearm

South Melbourne police uncovered a loaded firearm during the arrest of a man and woman in a stolen car in Southbank overnight.

The officers on the nightshift divisional van were called to a welfare check in the vicinity of a laneway at the rear of Dorcas Street, following reports a woman was heard screaming, about 1.15am.

Upon arrival police found an allegedly stolen car in which a number of people appeared to be inside.

Police approached the car and called for the occupants to get out before a man and woman stubbled out, and a shot-gun fell to the ground.

The pair, a St Kilda man and Wheelers Hill woman both aged 27-years, were challenged by police who had their firearms drawn and were quickly arrested without incident.

Further inspection of the firearm revealed it was loaded and a subsequent search of the Mitsubishi wagon uncovered alleged stolen property, drugs believed to be ecstasy and methamphetamine and a quantity of ammunition.

They are currently assisting Stonnington Crime Investigation Unit detectives with their enquiries.

It is expected they will appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today charged with prohibited person possess a firearm, ammunition offences, theft of motor car, possess ecstasy and handle stolen goods.

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