A revolver found buried in a flowerbed at a Sydney child care centre was in working order and could have been used to kill, police say.
The gun was discovered wrapped in a plastic bag just below the surface near a driveway facing the street, making for easy access.
"When police went there, they were able to locate it quite readily," said director of NSW Police's organised crime squad, Detective Superintendent Ken Finch.
"It was quite shallow."
The .45 calibre Webley Mk VI revolver was found in a flower bed at the Greenacre childcare centre, along with 58 rounds of ammunition.
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Police said that despite playing only metres away children wouldn't have been able to get their hands on it.
"The layout of the centre meant the children would normally be in an enclosed area close by," Det Supt Finch told reporters in Sydney.
Police have ruled out a connection between the daycare centre and the gun's discovery.
"The owner of the daycare centre is of course horrified this weapon has been found there," Det Supt Finch said.
The gun was found in a plastic bag and appeared to be in good condition.
"It appeared to be in a condition that would make it a lethal weapon," said Det Supt Finch.
