Why were police at the nursery in Irlam?

Officers executed a search warrant based on intelligence, recovering a firearm and a substantial amount of ammunition from the premises.

Was the nursery open when the gun was found?

No. The nursery had permanently closed earlier in the week due to an unrelated environmental health issue involving a rat infestation.

Who has been arrested in connection with the Salford raid?

Two men, one in his 30s and another in his 50s, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs.

Crime & Courts

Gun and ammunition seized at closed Salford nursery as two men arrested on drug charges

Officers from Greater Manchester Police's Serious Organised Crime Group found a firearm and a "substantial quantity of ammunition" inside the former Mini Fingers Day Nursery on Liverpool Road in Irlam after executing a warrant on Wednesday evening. Two men have been arrested on suspicion of

Megan Doyle

9 October 20262 min read

Two Arrested After Gun and Ammunition Found in Closed Salford Nursery

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Police officers were seen carrying a gun out of a nursery building in Salford on Thursday morning after a raid that also uncovered a large haul of ammunition.

The operation targeted the Mini Fingers Day Nursery on Liverpool Road in Irlam, where officers from Greater Manchester Police's Serious Organised Crime Group (SOCG), supported by the Tactical Aid Unit (TAU), executed a warrant at around 8:30pm on Wednesday 8 October.

What did police find?

After gaining entry, officers carried out a search that recovered a firearm and what GMP described as "a substantial quantity of ammunition." Pictures from the scene on Thursday showed police cars at the entrance and two TAU vans parked nearby. GMP later released an image of the gun found inside the building.

Crime scene investigation teams were also at the property as enquiries continued.

Who has been arrested?

On Thursday 9 October, officers from the Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit (TVIU) arrested two men. One is in his 50s, the other in his 30s. Both were detained on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs, namely cocaine and cannabis. They remain in police custody for questioning.

GMP said in a statement: "Acting on information, officers struck the address around 8.30pm on Wednesday 8 October 2026. After gaining entry, a search took place which has seen us recover a firearm and a substantial quantity of ammunition."

What happened to the nursery?

The Manchester Evening News understands the nursery is believed to have closed for good earlier in the week. An email sent to parents from the nursery manager read: "It is with great sadness that I have to inform you that as of today, the owner of the nursery has decided to close the business. We as a staff team are devastated and have no words following this decision."

Prior to the closure, parents had reportedly been sent a separate email about a collapsed drain and "vermin" at the nursery.

Emergency services had reportedly been at the scene since Wednesday evening, with a number of police vehicles stationed outside through Thursday as officers continued their enquiries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were police at the nursery in Irlam?: Officers executed a search warrant based on intelligence, recovering a firearm and a substantial amount of ammunition from the premises.
Was the nursery open when the gun was found?: No. The nursery had permanently closed earlier in the week due to an unrelated environmental health issue involving a rat infestation.
Who has been arrested in connection with the Salford raid?: Two men, one in his 30s and another in his 50s, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs.