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

The weapon was found at Mini Fingers nursery on Liverpool Road 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.

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

The nursery was issued with a prohibition order by Salford Council's environmental health department on 2 October after inspectors found vermin in the building. The rats are believed to have entered through a collapsed drain underneath the baby room.

Sources: BBC News (quoting Greater Manchester Police and Salford Council). This article was produced with the help of AI tools and checked by an editor against the sources above.