Men charged after police gun drama

AN OLDHAM man was one of a three suspected robbers involved in a shooting incident with police.

Firearms officers from Greater Manchester Police shot and seriously injured one of the suspected armed robbers while investigating a series of raids.

They fired several shots after making contact with three suspects near to a Co-op store in Blackburn Road, Haslingden, Lancashire, at 10pm on Friday night.

The injured man, from Salford, was taken to hospital where his condition is described as serious but stable. All three men were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit armed robbery.

Richard Anthony Walsh (25), of Mill View Court, Heron Street, Oldham, has been charged with conspiracy to commit robbery, possession of a firearm with intent to commit an offence and possession of a loaded firearm in a public place.

His brother, Jonathon Walsh (21), of Dob Brook Close, on the Failsworth/ Newton Heath border, faces the same charges and an additional charge of possession of a firearm when prohibited.

They were due to appear at Manchester City Magistrates Court today.

GMP said it was an “intelligence-led, pre-planned operation” by its Serious and Organised Crime group and the men were intercepted ahead of an alleged robbery. The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) was immediately informed and is handling the investigation.

It has not been disclosed if any shots were fired at police, but at least two firearms were discharged during the incident.

Residents said they heard three shots followed by silence and then a further four shots before sirens and a police helicopter.

The store and car park were sealed off. A VW Passat was left with damage to a door and police took away items for evidence. IPCC investigators were at the scene throughout the weekend and inquiries are continuing.