A TWENTY-THREE-YEAR-OLD man charged with possession of a firearm after police spotted a group riding a suspected stolen bike has made a first court appearance.

Police said that at around 12.30pm on Thursday, January 4, it was reported a group of males were riding a suspected stolen scrambler bike on a field between Vista Road and Lodge Lane.

Plain-clothed officers saw the males on Billington Avenue and police say they were found to be in possession of a firearm.

A suspected firearm was seized and forensically recovered to establish if it is a viable weapon.

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Two men were arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm.

Joe Cook, of Queens Drive, Newton-le-Willows, was later charged with possession of a prohibited firearm, possession of ammunition without a certificate, possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and possession of a firearm when prohibited for life.

He made an appearance before Wirral Magistrates’ Court on Friday, January 5.

St Helens Star: Cook appeared at Wirral Magistrates' CourtCook appeared at Wirral Magistrates' Court (Image: Google Street View)

During the hearing, the case was sent to Liverpool Crown Court.

Cook, 23, was remanded in custody and is next due to appear at the higher court on Friday, February 2.