People in Greater Manchester are being offered the chance to bring down gangsters and money launderers

The downfall of top-of-the-tree villains requires months, or even years of covert operations run by the police.

Once the dramatic raids and arrests are carried out, more graft is needed to build a case that will stand up in court, and put violent criminals behind bars for a long time.

One part of the fight against organised crime is currently being run beside the banks of the River Irwell in Salford. A total of 120 new posts are being created at the growing office of government lawyers.

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This week, the Attorney General, Victoria Prentis visited the office, to meet lawyers - as a recruitment drive for more staff is being shaped up.

The Government Legal Department (GLD) has signed an agreement with HM Revenue and Customs for its staff to join them and move into the Three New Bailey, office block, off Chapel Street, and near Manchester city centre. The expansion of GLD in the North West complements existing offices in Bristol, Leeds, and London.

Teams working out of the Government Legal hub include, the criminal law advisory team – which will support on the investigation of arrests of members of an organised crime group who have been under investigation for several years in relation to a conspiracy to launder amounts of up to £100m.

The GLD currently employs 40 at its Salford base, but is to set to employ up to 120. The department was historically known as the Treasury Solicitor's Department, but changed name to the Government Legal Department in 2015.

The new name reflects a "significant period of change", which saw the department more than double in size.

GLD lawyers work in both advisory and litigation roles. In litigation, lawyers bring and defend