Greater Manchester Police have significantly increased its policing operation surrounding Caribbean Carnival this weekend in Alexandra Park.
Additional covert and overt officers will be deployed across a range of policing roles involving neighbourhood policing, spotting and intelligence gathering, licensing, public safety, traffic, mounted and other roles, providing the capacity and capability to deter, detect and manage situations in a way that keeps people safe and minimises harm and impact.
During the daytime, officers will be working closely with event organisers, Manchester City Council and security staff to support the safe running of the Caribbean Carnival. When carnival concludes at 8pm on Saturday and Sunday, there will be an increased police presence on Claremont Road and surrounding streets to provide visual reassurance and prevent the unsafe escalation of evening gatherings.
Superintendent Arif Nawaz, one of the leads for the Caribbean Carnival policing operation, said: “The vast majority of people attend Carnival to simply enjoy the festivities and police preparations are in place to enable them to do so safely.
“Our entire operation is centred around public safety. The trend of unofficial after-parties, involving gatherings outdoors following Carnival events, has unfortunately witnessed antisocial behaviour, criminal activity, and serious violence.
“These large gatherings cause unacceptable issues for our communities and impede emergency vehicles from keeping people safe and well. Officers will be supporting licencing officials to prevent illegal street vendors from setting up and enforcing laws around this activity.
“We are working with neighbouring forces including colleagues from West Yorkshire Police Precision Programme, dedicated to tackling serious and organised crime in the county, and officers will be acting on intelligence to search and intercept anyone in the area suspected to have criminal intentions.
“Please follow the direction of officers, who are committed to keeping people safe. If you see anything suspicious, feel unsafe or have any concerns which require police assistance or support, speak with one of our officers.
