Police have been forced to put a dispersal order in place as hundreds of teenagers descended on Piccadilly Gardens as summer term ended at schools this afternoon
Metrolink was forced to suspend services through Market Street, shops out down their shutters and there were reports of eggs being thrown from the tram stop by passers by
Police descended on the area in an effort to move the crowds on
Councillor Pat Karney who has responsibility for the City Centre tweeted
“We all lived for the break up for summer holidays but that’s no reason for this disgraceful behaviour.
I presume it’s been organised on social media.
In a statement Inspector Kenna, Manchester City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team said
We anticipated a number of school & college students would come into Manchester City centre on their last day of term, causing disruption & disorder.
Due to this and information received, a dispersal order was put in place for Manchester City Centre for 24hrs, from 1300hrs on Friday 21st July.
Officers were faced with 100’s of college students around Market St. & Piccadilly Gardens, causing disruption to local businesses and those going about their daily activities in Manchester.
A police warning was given over the police loudspeaker, informing people of the dispersal order and to leave the area immediately, otherwise they may be arrested.
The group were contained to Piccadilly Gardens and dispersed from this area. Three arrests were made by police for public order offences, enquires are still ongoing in relation to these arrests.
Officers will remain in the area throughout the evening
A full investigation and review of CCTV will now take place over the coming weeks, where a debrief will take place with schools and colleges.
We will not tolerate or accept this level of disorder or disruption in Manchester, robust action will be taken against those who are identified as committing offences and disorder.
