Man charged over gun threats near schools

Police say the alleged incident took place near two schools in Orrell

A 19-year-old man has been charged in connection with reports of a gunman making threats near two schools.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said he is accused of possessing a gun with intent to cause fear of violence and also sending a communication "conveying" an indecent or offensive message.

The charges relate to an incident on Monday in the Orrell area of Wigan.

He is due to appear before Wigan and Leigh Magistrates Court.

Armed police were dispatched during what GMP described as a "worrying" incident, which took place at about 14:30 BST on Gantley Road, near Orrell Newfold Community Primary School and the nearby St James Catholic Primary School.

Det Insp Craig Hurst from GMP said the force "acted quickly on the information that we had and apprehended a suspect who had fled back to their home address in Skelmersdale".

He added that extra patrols had been deployed and would be in place over the coming days.

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