Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have issued a 72-hour dispersal order for a Tameside district following reports of disorder and fireworks being aimed at officers and members of the public. The order covers the St Peter's area of Ashton-under-Lyne town centre, bordered by Lord Sheldon Way, Oldham Road, Richmond Street and the A635, and is in place until Saturday evening (November 7), having come into effect at 9pm yesterday (November 5).
Third order in 24 hours
The section 34 order gives officers powers to direct anyone causing or likely to cause anti-social behaviour, crime or disorder to leave the area, or face the possibility of arrest and prosecution. The force said the order, the third such order to be issued in the past day, follows ongoing disorder and incidents of anti-social behaviour and fireworks being aimed and targeted at members of the public and GMP officers.
Local councillor Kaleel Khan posted updates on his Facebook page throughout the night, sharing videos that showed wheelie bins on fire and fireworks being thrown near Millennium Green Park. He called the scenes 'shocking'.
Arrests and police response
GMP made eight arrests in Tameside following reports of youths setting off fireworks in the area, with police drones used to track the group. They were arrested at a nearby shop on suspicion of affray. Police drone footage showed fireworks being actively aimed at passing cars in the area. Fire crews also reported one of their busiest nights of the year, responding to 328 incidents last night, with some crews targeted by fireworks and bricks.
Officers also carried out more than 160 stop and searches and used dispersal powers to prevent further disorder in hotspot areas, GMP said. Chief Superintendent Nicola Spragg, the gold commander for the operation, said a "small minority" of people chose to "misuse fireworks and engage in anti-social behaviour, causing fear, distress and even firing fireworks at emergency service vehicles" on Bonfire Night.
Official statement and further orders
Spragg said: "Through Operation Treacle, officers and partners across Greater Manchester are carrying out targeted patrols, responding swiftly to incidents, and taking positive action against those who break the law or put members of the public at risk. The 17 arrests made last night demonstrate our commitment to keeping people safe and ensuring everyone can enjoy Bonfire Night without fear of disorder or intimidation."
She added: "We will continue to have officers out in our neighbourhoods throughout the weekend and beyond, so that people can feel safe, spend time with their loved ones and enjoy the celebrations. We would also urge anyone witnessing anti-social behaviour or the misuse of fireworks to report it to us so we can take action."
A separate 48-hour order was issued yesterday afternoon covering Gorton and Abbey Hey until Saturday afternoon, while another was issued last night for Whalley Range and is in place until Saturday morning. Anyone with information about incidents in the area is encouraged to contact police via 101 or report information online via the LiveChat function on GMP's website. Information can also be provided anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
