A man has been charged with firearms offences after a gun and ammunition was found in a recently closed Salford nursery. Christopher Maxwell, 38, of Manor Road, Sale, was charged on Saturday with possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition and possession of class A drugs, cocaine, following the police raid earlier this week.
Police raid on former nursery
Greater Manchester Police officers "acting on information" raided the building of the former Mini Fingers Day Nursery on Liverpool Road in Irlam on Wednesday. A force spokesperson said: "After gaining entry, a search took place which has seen us recover a firearm and a substantial quantity of ammunition."
The nursery had recently been shuttered due to the discovery of a rat infestation, unrelated to the police probe.
Court appearance and bail
Maxwell was remanded to appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court today, Saturday. A man in his 50s arrested as part of the probe has been bailed pending further enquiries.
Nursery closure
Mini Fingers was issued with a prohibition order by Salford Council's environmental health department on October 2 after inspectors discovered vermin in the building.
Parents were told the nursery would be closing down for good on Monday, October 5, in an email claiming that "due to the recent events and the business struggling", the owner "does not see a way forward without the business being extremely out of pocket".
