POLICE were justified in shooting an armed robber who tried to hold up a cash delivery van in Haslingden, a watchdog has ruled.

Gavin Noakes, 30, was shot three times by a Greater Manchester Police firearms officer during an attempted hold-up near the Charles Street Co-op.

Noakes received minor injuries, his accomplice Richard Walsh, 26, suffered a broken nose and his 28-year-old brother Jonathan Walsh was hit by a Taser device.

Following their arrests, the incident was referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

Noakes drove a Mini at officers before he was shot.

Police later found a pistol and sledgehammer in the car.

Naseem Malik, North West IPCC commissioner, said: “This was an armed and dangerous criminal gang, intent on escaping justice.

"They failed thanks to the bravery of the officers involved in this operation.”

All three men and a fourth, William Moore, 28, were convicted of robbery and jailed for more than 40 years.