Two boys from the Clayton area aged 15 and 16 have been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and robbery offences They remain in custody ahead of being questioned by detectives.
The arrests follow a disturbance on Boxing Day evening involving a large group of people at the Arndale Centre in Manchester City Centre when two juveniles were arrested at the scene and released under investigation.
Police were also made aware of a robbery in the Piccadilly Gardens area of Manchester on 3 January, where two 15-year-old boys had their high value designer coats stolen by a group of other boys who had threatened them.
Detectives continue to investigate these two incidents and believe they are part of a linked series of crime in the city centre.
During the arrest,two high value designer coats were recovered and have been seized for forensic recovery.
Chief Inspector Steve Wiggins, from GMP’s City Centre district, said: “We’re aware that these incidents are causing considerable concern to residents and those visiting the city centre.
“We have deployed neighbourhood officers to work alongside partners including staff in the Arndale Centre to conduct patrols to provide a visible reassurance and speak to any individuals who are causing issues.
“These arrests today are exactly the sorts of results we want to deliver and what our communities rightly expect from us, and will continue this momentum by conducting CCTV trawls and we will investigate any new information and lines of enquiry fully to bring those responsible to justice.
“We’re continuing to work with our partners to tackle this issue and would like to reassure nearby residents, and visitors to the city centre, that we’ll continue to deploy extra officers and deal with those involved appropriately.
“Our focus will continue to remain on robust action towards those who we suspect of being involved in violent crime to keep our communities safe.
