NEIGHBOURS in a quiet cul-de-sac are living in fear after a stash of guns was found hidden in bushes next to their homes.

Police stumbled across a rucksack containing a shotgun, handgun and a number of other firearms in a communal area in east Reading's Haywood Court, off St Bartholomew's Road, at 10.30am on Friday last week while investigating a series of shed burglaries.

Speaking to the Chronicle on Wednesday worried residents revealed they fear the road, next door to Palmer Park's children's play area, is fast becoming a hotspot for criminal activity.

A pregnant mum-of-one, who lives nearby, said gangs have already "invaded" the once-peaceful street and police warning signs have done little to deter groups of men, aged between 18 and 27, from hanging around.

She said: "It's very scary. These groups speed down St Batholomew's Road in their cars and they come round here and it looks like they're up to something.

"My daughter's room is at the front of the house and it does make you feel frightened and unable to feel safe in your own home.

"It's a lovely place to live but we are being invaded."

She added: "Last week my daughter was playing in the area where the bag was found.

"I saw the men in the white overalls and the police come on the Friday, but I had no idea it was guns.

"It is very scary to think what could have happened. I hope the police find the people responsible."

Police spokesman Adam Fisher refused to divulge how many weapons were in the bag and whether they contained live ammunition, but Superintendent Stuart Greenfield said: "It is important to keep any weapons off the streets and we are carrying out forensic tests to establish whether these guns have been used in crime.

"Weapons such as these are not common in Reading. I would like to reassure the community that we are committed to keeping Reading a safe place in which to live and visit."

Anyone who knows about the guns should contact the police non-emergency number on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.