Greater Manchester Police has issued a 48-hour dispersal order for an east Manchester district due to fears of anti-social behaviour over Bonfire Night. The Section 34 order covers Gorton and Abbey Hey and is in place from 1pm today (November 5) until 1pm on Saturday (November 7).
What the order allows
The order allows officers, who will be on patrol in the area, to direct people involved in or suspected of anti-social behaviour to leave the area for a specified period. The force said the order has been put in place due to concerns over 'the potential for bonfire-night related anti-social behaviour', which is said to have occurred 'in recent years'.
The area encompasses land between Ashton Old Road, Cornwall Street, Chapman Street, the A57/Hyde Road, and across Debdale Park, Gorton Reservoir and Fairfield Golf Club.
Context and response
The order follows a spate of 'out-of-control antisocial behaviour' said to have taken place in Cadishead in Salford over Halloween, where locals claimed that youngsters had launched fireworks at cars and businesses and kicked down doors. A 13-year-old was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and perverting the course of justice, while another 13-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and section 47 assault. He has also been arrested on suspicion of two counts of assaulting an emergency worker.
This year a new operation, Operation Treacle, is aiming to tackle disorder and firework misuse, with increased patrols on the ground.
Inspector Zac Campbell, from GMP’s Gorton and Levenshulme Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Anti-social behaviour isn’t a minor inconvenience – it is an extremely problematic issue that affects quality of life. Our response must be accordingly thorough and robust.
“We will be patrolling areas throughout the night, to tackle any issues that arise, while we will be proactively looking to shut down anything of concern before it becomes a problem.
“We want the public to know that we are firmly behind them – we will be there for you tonight, tomorrow, and beyond.”
How to report concerns
Anyone with information or concerns is asked to contact police via 101 or through the Live Chat service on GMP's website. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
