SEVEN people have been charged after dawn raids in Oldham last week.

Clifton McGowan, aged 29, of Wrigley Head, Oldham has appeared alongside Lee Robinson, aged 35, of no fixed abode, at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on Saturday (May 18).

They have been remanded in custody to appear at Minshall Street Crown Court on Friday, June 14.

Both McGowan and Robinson are charged with conspiracy to commit burglary and conspiracy to commit theft.

Robinson is further charged with dangerous driving.

The charges follow a number of warrants that were executed in the Oldham area on Thursday, May 16.

The investigation, under Operation Handsford, considered 120 offences including aggravated burglary, robbery, car theft, assault, violent disorder and criminal damage – all believed to be orchestrated by the same organised crime group.

Four other people appeared at the same court on Friday, May 17 also charged with conspiracy to commit burglary.

They have been remanded in custody to appear at Minshall Street Crown Court on Friday, June 14.

They are: Samuel Locke, aged 28, of Whetstone Hill Lane, Derker, Oldham; Keiran Daubney, 38, of Near Birches Parade, Oldham; Stephen Anderson, aged 38, of Grampion Cloe, Oldham; Carl Burke, aged 32, of Ashton Road, Oldham.

Locke, Daubney and Burke are also charged with conspiracy to steal motor vehicles.

Daubney is further charged with robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery.

Kieran Pollitt, aged 22, of Milnrow Precent, Milnrow also appeared at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on Friday, May 17 charged with conspiracy to commit burglary. He has been bailed to appear Minshall Street Crown Court on Friday, June 14.

A 21-year-old woman who was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender has been released under investigation pending further enquiries.