A man has suffered life-changing injuries and a 15-year-old boy was attacked near a tram stop in Oldham, prompting police to step up powers in the area.
Officers were first called to a 'large-scale disturbance' on Doncaster Walk at around 8.45pm on Wednesday evening (August 26). Pictures showed armed police on Lord Street amid the incident. A male, whose age has not been revealed, suffered 'life-changing injuries' and was rushed to hospital.
Second incident near tram stop
Just after 10.40pm, police were called to reports of an assault near Oldham Mumps tram stop. A 15-year-old boy was taken to hospital from the scene. He is believed to have been attacked by a group of people near the Metrolink stop, a spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said.
No arrests have been made. The GMP spokesperson said the two incidents are not linked.
Section 60 order issued
A Section 60 and 60AA order, which gives police increased stop-and-search powers and gives officers the legal power to make people remove face coverings, has now been issued in an area of Oldham. The order was granted at 10.45pm last night and will run for 24 hours. Patrols will also be stepped up in the area over the coming days.
GMP's Superintendent Roger Pegram said: "This order has been implemented to provide officers with extra powers to tackle these incidents, which will never be tolerated. These incidents have caused substantial alarm, distress and concern within the local community and it is right that our officers in the area have these powers to stop-search and ask people to remove face coverings."
"Ultimately, this is to deter and prevent any further criminality. You will see extra officers in the area and I would urge anyone with any information or issues to please get in touch with us."
Appeal for information
Anyone with information on the two incidents, including anyone who has CCTV, dash cam or Ring doorbell footage, has been urged to contact the force. Oldham CID can be contacted via 0161 856 8906 or at gmp.police.uk, quoting log 3341 of 26/08/26. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
