A Section 34 dispersal notice has been authorised across Greater Manchester covering the next 48 hours
It follows reports of rival gangs gathering to cause trouble
Videos published on social
Media appear to show youths being shepherded onto trains after being told to leave the City Centre
The order was put into place at 12:13pm today and will remain in effect for the next 48 hours.
This afternoon officers enforcing the order around Exchange Square arrested a man on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker
Superintendent, Phil Spurgeon within GMP’s specialist operations unit said: “We are monitoring and managing a significant increase in footfall across Manchester City Centre and throughout our districts with groups of youth gathering together and causing disturbances.
“I have authorised a dispersal order under S34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act across all Greater Manchester. This is in response to a rising number of reports and in the interest of protecting the public from excessive anti-social behaviour, disorder, and criminality over the weekend.
“This order should help visitors travel across GM with ease and enable residents to go about their daily activities.
“There will be an increase in police presence with neighbourhood officers deployed. If you have any concerns, please do approach them, they are there to keep you safe.
“If you see anything suspicious report it to police on 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.”
