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Man charged over gun found at rat infested nursery

Naj ModakNorth West
BBC Wide view of the private nursery, Mini Fingers. It is a modern grey building on a street alongside other businesses and homes. A marked police estate car is parked outside on the left, while a police van and another police vehicle can be seen further along the road, on the right. Several people stand in the nursery entrance. There is a traffic light and bollards in the centre of the image, directly outside the building.BBC
Police were called to Mini Fingers nursery, in Irlam, on Wednesday, days after it was shut down over rats

A man has been charged with firearm and drug offences after a gun was found at a nursery which had been closed down over a rat infestation.

The weapon was found at Mini Fingers nursery on Liverpool Road in Irlam, Salford, on Wednesday, days after it was shut down by environmental health.

Greater Manchester Police previously said the investigation was unrelated to the nursery's closure.

Christopher Maxwell, 38, of Sale, has been charged with possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition without a certificate and possession of cocaine.

He was due to appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court earlier.

GMP A black and silver handgun lies on a table next to a separate black magazine and a grey police measurement scale. Several dark-coloured packages or bags can be seen on the table, behind the firearm.GMP
Officers recovered a firearm during a search of the vacant building, police say

The nursery was issued with a prohibition order by Salford Council's environmental health department on 2 October after inspectors discovered vermin in the building.

The rats are believed to have entered the property via a collapsed drain underneath the baby room.

GMP said a gun and ammunition were recovered from the nursery on Wednesday.

Another man, in his 50s, who was arrested as part of the investigation has been bailed pending further inquiries, the force added.

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