handgun and bullets were found.

The youngsters were involved in the finding of a small amount of bullets on waste ground in the Curving Avenue and Middletown area of Pembroke, on Saturday.

The previous day, a member of the public found a 9mm semi-automatic pistol and six Luger bullets in the same spot.

A Police media spokeswoman said they were concerned that children had found the bullets, but thanked members of the public that helped officers in the area on Saturday night.

She added that a further search of the land had not taken place.

The recovered weapon is to be sent abroad for tests.

A Police spokesman said certain procedures had to take place before the 9mm semi-automatic pistol and bullets were sent to Canada for detailed ballistic tests.

The gun, which was found in a grass verge at 12.45 p.m. on Friday by a member of the public, was wrapped in plastic and was in a rusted state.

Its maker is not yet known and it could be some time before police discover whether or not the weapon was used in a crime.

The find was made close to an area where, less than two years ago James Cyrus Caines was shot dead by a handgun -- of unknown calibre -- which was never found.

An investigation in to the discovery of the gun and bullets is currently underway.