A man has been charged with handling stolen goods in connection with a suspected stolen caravan and gas bottles.

Police reported earlier this week that they had heard reports of caravans and gas bottles being stolen around Harper Green Playing Fields in Farnworth.

Two people were arrested in connection with the suspected thefts.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: “Officers from our Bolton South Neighbourhood Team responded to reports of a theft, and after an area search located the missing gas bottles in use nearby on Harper Green Playing Fields.

“Following checks on the police database, it was further believed that two of the caravans present at the location were stolen.

“A man, aged 59, and a woman, aged 26, were arrested on suspicion of theft and handling stolen goods.”

Later that same day on Friday evening, officers confirmed that they had charged a man with handling stolen goods.

ALSO READ: Arrests made as police seize 'stolen' caravans and gas bottles

ALSO READ: Greater Manchester Police take £1.5m off the streets

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: “The Bolton South Neighbourhood Team have secured charges for a stolen caravan and theft of gas bottles.”

They said that Thomas Ward, 59, of no fixed abode, had been charged with two counts of handling stolen goods.

They said that the woman they had arrested was bailed for further investigations.

Ward will appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court on Thursday, September 19.