Three violent incidents in three days in the City Centre have seen police vow to leave no stone unturned as they track down the culprits
On Friday afternoon a large group of youths supposedly celebrating the end of the school year congregated in the Market Street/Piccadilly Gardens area with reports of eggs being thrown at the public,trams disrupted and shops forced to close
There were three arrests made on suspicion of public order offences. The males were bailed whilst investigations continue.
Later that evening police became aware of video footage circulating on social media of several people fighting in the Market Street area.
When officers attended, people dispersed and left the area. An adult man was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and affray.
He has been released on bail pending further investigations.
Last night police were once again called to the city centre, following reports of large groups of youths causing ASB/public disorder.
Four people, aged between 16 to 18-years-old, were arrested on suspicion of affray and will continue to be interviewed this morning.
Four police officers were assaulted during the affray. Investigations are continuing to establish whether the three incidents are linked.
Greater Manchester Police, together with partners from Manchester City Council (MCC) and local schools, are working together to ensure every attempt is made to identify the instigators of the three incidents, as well as the willing participants.
Chief Inspector of Neighbourhoods in the City Centre, Stephen Wiggins, said: “This kind of behaviour in the city centre, or indeed anywhere in Greater Manchester, will simply not be tolerated.
“We are working closely with our partners to ensure that no stone is left unturned. Our investigations are gathering at pace and we will be making more arrests.
“As part of our large-scale investigation, we have also been undertaking extensive CCTV enquiries and acting on intelligence we have received from members of the public.
“Officers are being deployed in and around the area in significant numbers to provide reassurance to the local community.”
Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council Cllr Luthfur Rahman said: “These two unrelated incidents do not reflect Manchester city centre and will simply not be tolerated here. Together with the police we are sending out a message that we utterly condemn violent or disruptive behaviour in our city. We won’t allow these rare incidents to create negative perceptions about our city.
“Those responsible will be held accountable, as the arrests already made illustrate, and I would encourage any members of the public who know anything about either incident to come forward and help the police.”
