Two arrests have been made in Ordsall, Salford, following a week of anti-social behaviour and fireworks misuse that prompted multiple 999 calls to police. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has been called to the area on several occasions in recent days.
The force says it received multiple 999 calls regarding anti-social behaviour and the misuse of fireworks at Ordsall Park. Officers returned to the park on Tuesday night (October 6), where one youth was arrested on suspicion of arson. A second person had been arrested earlier in the week in connection with an 'arson-related bin fire' in the park, when officers also responded to reports of anti-social behaviour involving fireworks and criminal damage. GMP says a number of other young people have been identified in connection with that fire.
Dispersal order issued
At the weekend, the force issued a 48-hour dispersal order throughout Ordsall following reports of 'a large group of youths engaging in anti-social behaviour' on the evenings of Wednesday and Thursday. Fireworks were reportedly hurled at members of the public at the time. No injuries were reported, police said.
GMP Salford has issued three statements on anti-social behaviour in Ordsall over the last week on social media, including two in the last two days. In the latest post on Wednesday morning, a force spokesperson said: "Last night, we received a number of further 999 calls relating to anti-social behaviour, the misuse of fireworks, and associated criminality within Ordsall Park. Officers conducting proactive patrols in the area responded immediately to these reports."
Police urge residents to report
The spokesperson added: "As a result of their attendance, a young person was arrested on suspicion of arson. This arrest demonstrates the importance of the information and reports we receive from members of the public. We would like to thank those residents who continue to report incidents and support our efforts to tackle the ongoing issues affecting the park and surrounding community."
"Information provided by residents, no matter how small it may seem, can be crucial in identifying those responsible for anti-social behaviour, building intelligence, and supporting positive enforcement action. The information we receive helps us target our resources effectively and take action against those causing harm within our community."
With Bonfire Night approaching, Greater Manchester's emergency services are expected to be on alert for firework-related incidents. Last November 5, large groups of youths gathered around Ordsall Park amid a night of 'carnage' in several areas of the region.
Anyone with information regarding anti-social behaviour, fireworks-related incidents, fires or other criminality in Ordsall Park is urged to contact Police Sergeant Atherton by emailing 13490@gmp.police.uk.
