DETECTIVES have charged a number of men from Bolton borough with firearms offences in relation to shootings in Little Hulton.

Five men appeared at Salford Magistrates' Court yesterday charged with conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life.

This is in relation to the shooting of a 24-year-old man in Coniston Avenue, Little Hulton, on October 5 last year, and shots being fired three times, five days later.

The defendants are:

Patrick McCann, aged 31, of Baron Fold Crescent, Little Hulton

Jamie Morris, aged 21, of Townsfield Road, Westhoughton

Saim Kinteh, aged 23, of St Germain Street, Farnworth

Anthony Smith, aged 23, of Cannon Street, Deane, and

John Kennedy, aged 43, of Dunedin Drive, Salford

Kennedy has also been additionally charged with possession of class A drugs with intent to supply.

All five were remanded back in custody to appear at Manchester Crown Court at a later date.

Three others are due before Salford Magistrates' Court today also charged with conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life.

They are Harry Allen, aged 28, of HMP Haverigg, Kane Morrison, aged 22, of HMP Manchester, and Marc Murray, aged 31, of HMP Belmarsh.