Police are investigating after a school girl found a hand gun while walking to school in Deer Park this morning.
The 14-year-old girl was walking towards a bus stop on Tilburn Road, near Station Road, about 9.45am when she saw the weapon lying in the dirt beside a footpath.
She saw the firearm was loaded and continued on her way to school and reported it to a teacher, who then contacted police.
Sunshine police then attended and secured the firearm, which is described as being a semi automatic hand gun.
Detectives from Brimbank Crime Investigation Unit are investigating the find.
They have also made contact with Crime Command, including the Homicide Squad, to determine if the firearm is linked to any existing unsolved investigations.
Police believe the firearm was only recently dumped there and investigators are appealing for anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area recently to come forward.
The investigation into the matter is ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or to submit confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
