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.
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