A man has been charged after a firearm was found within the grounds of a recently closed children's nursery in Salford, police said on Friday (November 13).
Officers raided the former Mini Fingers Day Nursery on Liverpool Road, Irlam, on the evening of October 7. The nursery had previously been ordered to shut down due to the discovery of a rat infestation, which was unrelated to the police probe.
Police Discover Gun and Ammunition
Once inside, police carried out a search and uncovered a gun and a 'substantial quantity' of ammunition.
In a statement today, Greater Manchester Police said Andrew Clarke, 51, of Desmond Road, Wythenshawe, has been charged with possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition for a firearm without a certificate.
Second Man Also Charged
He was remanded in custody and was due to appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court today, Friday, said a GMP spokesperson.
The force said a second man has previously been charged in connection with the incident. Christopher Maxwell, 38, of Manor Road, Sale, Trafford, was charged with possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition for a firearm without a certificate and possession of Class A drugs. He was remanded in custody after a court appearance, the force added.
Nursery's Closure and Ofsted Registration
Mini Fingers was issued with a prohibition order by Salford Council's environmental health department on Friday, October 2. The nursery subsequently surrendered its Ofsted registration, according to the council.
