Published Friday, 20 July 2012
The gun was found discarded in a laneway. (© UTV)
The firearm was discovered to the rear of Fernwood Park, at about 3.25pm on Thursday.
The children alerted an adult, who subsequently reported the find to police.
PSNI officers and ATO attended the scene and the weapon was taken away for further examination.
Police are appealing to anyone with information to contact them at Antrim station on 0845 600 8000.
The discovery of the gun came two days after a shot was fired through the window of a house in the Hawthorden area of Ballycraigy.
A four-year-old boy, a 25-year-old woman and a 30-year-old man escaped injury in Tuesday night's attack, which is being investigated by officers.
A motive has yet to be established.