For the second night running, Manchester's renowned Curry Mile became the focal point of significant public demonstrations, with hundreds descending upon Wilmslow Road in Rusholme. The area, famous for its vibrant South Asian cuisine and culture, witnessed a substantial police operation as authorities moved to maintain order and implement dispersal measures.
Substantial Police Presence Deployed
Photographs and video footage captured around 11pm on Wednesday, January 21st, reveal a considerable deployment of Greater Manchester Police officers along the thoroughfare. The visual evidence shows multiple police vehicles and numerous uniformed personnel monitoring the gathering, indicating the seriousness with which authorities approached the situation.
Multiple Arrests and Dispersal Orders Issued
According to information obtained by the Manchester Evening News, police detained several individuals during the evening's events. Additionally, multiple protesters received formal dispersal orders, legally requiring them to leave the immediate area or face potential arrest for non-compliance.
The police action follows similar disturbances that occurred on Tuesday evening, when what began as a predominantly peaceful demonstration escalated into property damage and confrontations with officers. A police spokesperson confirmed that a Section 34 dispersal order had been implemented following reports of disorder on Wilmslow Road during the initial protests.
Background to the Demonstrations
The protests appear connected to ongoing tensions in Syria, specifically involving conflicts between government forces and the predominantly Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the country's north-eastern regions. While the initial demonstration on Tuesday was largely peaceful as participants marched toward Manchester City Centre and back, a segment of the protesters later engaged in disruptive behaviour.
Police Response to Escalating Situation
Chief Inspector Stephen Wiggins of Greater Manchester Police's City of Manchester district addressed Tuesday's events, stating: "After being made aware of the protest, officers facilitated and supported protesters as they walked towards Manchester City Centre. This was largely peaceful however a group of protesters decided to engage in disorder and became hostile towards officers."
He further explained that while police generally aim to facilitate peaceful protests, they will take robust enforcement action against those who engage in disorderly conduct that disrupts local communities. The decision was made to close Wilmslow Road temporarily due to the large gathering, with officers from the Tactical Aid Unit deployed to support neighbourhood policing teams.
Ongoing Investigations and Community Impact
Authorities confirmed they are actively investigating the disorder from Tuesday night, reviewing CCTV footage to identify individuals responsible for property damage and assaults on officers. No arrests were made during the initial protest, with all participants having left the area by approximately 10pm that evening.
As of Thursday morning, Greater Manchester Police had not yet released an official statement regarding Wednesday night's events. The consecutive nights of demonstrations on one of Manchester's most iconic streets highlight how international conflicts can manifest in local communities, testing police resources and community relations in multicultural urban centres.
