Two men have been arrested after a gun and a 'substantial quantity' of ammunition were found at a children's nursery in Salford, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed.
Emergency services attended the scene on Liverpool Road in Irlam on Wednesday evening (October 7). A number of police vehicles are now stationed outside the Mini Fingers Day Nursery alongside two tactical aid unit vans.
Police operation at nursery
A statement from GMP said: "Officers from our Serious Organised Crime Group (SOCG) supported by our Tactical Aid Unit (TAU) have arrested two men following the execution of a warrant a business premises on Liverpool Road in Irlam, Salford.
"Acting on information, officers struck the address around 8.30pm on Wednesday 8 October 2026. After gaining entry, a search took place which has seen us recover a firearm and a substantial quantity of ammunition."
"Today (Thursday 9 October) alongside officers from our Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit (TVIU), we arrested two men – on in their 50s and another in their 30s have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs, namely cocaine and cannabis."
"They remain in police custody for questioning. A scene remains in place as officers continue their enquiries."
Officer comments on seizure
Detective Inspector Rich McCorry, from GMP's Serious Organised Crime Group, said: "This operation demonstrates our continued commitment to disrupting serious organised crime and removing dangerous weapons from our streets.
"Acting on intelligence, officers executed a warrant at a business premises in Irlam, where a firearm and a substantial quantity of ammunition were recovered.
"The seizure of any firearm is significant it prevents the weapon from falling into the wrong hands, and we have potentially prevented a serious incident occurring recovering this gun.
"I would like to thank officers from our Tactical Aid Unit and Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit for their support during this operation. We will continue to target those involved in organised criminality and pursue anyone seeking to profit from the supply of illegal drugs or the possession of firearms."
Nursery closure unrelated
The nursery at the centre of the police investigation was ordered to shut down earlier this week after the discovery of a rat infestation. Mini Fingers nursery in Irlam was issued with a prohibition order by Salford Council's environmental health department on Friday, October 2, after inspectors discovered vermin in the building on Liverpool Road.
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'. The manager stated she was 'devastated' by the closure.
Police confirmed the probe into the gun was "entirely unrelated" to the nursery's closure.
