Greater Manchester Police has said patrols will be stepped up in Salford this weekend after reports of anti-social behaviour, including fireworks being directed at members of the public. The force received reports of a large group of youths engaging in anti-social behaviour in the Ordsall area.
Dispersal order in force
A dispersal order was put in place on the evening of October 1 and will remain in force until Sunday evening. It gives police enhanced powers to order people to leave the area if they are suspected of being involved in anti-social behaviour.
In a statement, Greater Manchester Police said: "A 48-hour dispersal order is in place following reports of a large group of youths engaging in anti-social behaviour around the Ordsall area of Salford."
Incidents reported
The order was implemented shortly after 9.20pm on October 1 and will run until Sunday evening at 9.23pm. This follows several incidents over the previous two nights, with large groups gathering in the Regent Road and wider Ordsall area.
Instances of fireworks being directed at members of the public and reports of criminal damage have been recorded. No injuries have been reported.
Police response
The section 34 dispersal order gives officers enhanced powers to direct individuals involved in, or suspected of being involved in, anti-social behaviour to leave the designated area for a specified period. The aim is to minimise behaviour contributing to anti-social behaviour or crime or disorder.
Officers will be proactively patrolling the area over the weekend, utilising all necessary resources to keep the community safe and reduce the risk of criminality.
Inspector Danny Welch, from GMP’s Salford district, said: “A dispersal order provides officers the appropriate powers to move people away from areas in which they may cause anti-social behaviour. Anyone found to be engaging in any form of criminality will be detained and action will be taken.”
He added: “The wider public does not deserve to have this sort of behaviour affecting their lives, and we are working closely with partners to look at what further work can be done in the community. If you live in the area and have any issues – or information you’d like to report – please do get in touch with us, as all intelligence assists our ongoing work.”
