Fourth man charged over robbery plot

POLICE have charged a fourth man as part of a hard-hitting armed robbery operation.

Gavin Noakes (30) of National Drive, Salford, has been charged with conspiracy to commit robbery, possession of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence and possession of a loaded firearm.

He is due to appear at Manchester’s Crown Square on December 14.

On September 25, a GMP Serious and Organised Crime Group operation, with support from tactical firearms officers, took place in Haslingden, Lancashire.

A suspect was shot during the operation leading to an investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

Three other men have already been charged in connection with the investigation.

William Moore (27) of Phoebe Street, Ordsall, Richard Walsh (25) of Mill View Court, Heron Street, Werneth, and Jonathon Walsh (21), of Dob Brook Close, Newton Heath, have been charged with conspiracy to commit robbery, possession of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence and possession of a loaded firearm in a public place.

Jonathon Walsh has also been charged with a further offence of possession of a firearm when prohibited.