A bus driver was assaulted and fireworks were shot at cars and businesses in a Salford neighbourhood on Saturday, October 31, prompting a police appeal for witnesses and the temporary rerouting of a bus service.
Greater Manchester Police attended the scene after a group of youths, reported to be around 15 to 20 in number and many aged between 12 and 16, were seen knocking a bus driver off his feet and kicking him on the ground. CCTV footage seen by the Manchester Evening News showed the altercation, which also involved a passerby who attempted to intervene and was seemingly attacked by several of the teens.
Incidents Across Cadishead Estate
The group was also captured on CCTV and social media footage 'terrorising' the streets of Cadishead estate, with screengrabs showing teens throwing fireworks at a pub and breaking down the door of a home. Local witnesses said the group had pelted The Plough pub with eggs and shot fireworks at the building.
Managers of the venue, who preferred not to be named, said: "They started shooting fireworks directly at the pub and throwing eggs. We had to lock in our customers to keep them safe. We've never seen anything like it. It definitely affected business too, because people saw the doors were shut, and you've got this huge group of teenagers hanging around in the park opposite. They don't really have anything else to do around here though, that's the problem."
Bus Routes Temporarily Diverted
The number 67 bus was temporarily rerouted away from the area after the driver was caught in the altercation. Kate Green, TfGM's Head of Policing and Community Safety, said: "We are supporting the police in their investigations into several incidents of antisocial behaviour in Cadishead over the weekend, some of which involved buses. Some bus routes were temporarily diverted on Sunday evening but are now running as usual. Both the local community and bus passengers can expect to see an increased police and safety staff presence over the next few days."
However, not everyone agreed with the decision to pull bus services from the area. Several residents complained online they had become 'stranded' in the middle of the night on Saturday and Sunday, after bus drivers suddenly kicked everyone out before reaching Irlam. "I don't think it's fair to punish everyone for what these kids have done," another local shopkeeper, 46, said. "People rely on those buses to get home, and not everyone can walk well or afford a taxi."
Community Reaction and Police Response
The incidents, which have been widely discussed in community groups, have left much of the neighbourhood shocked. "They behave like animals," one local pensioner Pauline Burgess, 85, said. "It's really frightening. I don't tend to leave my house after dark much because it just seems to be getting worse."
A local seamstress, who went by Kath, 63, who works in the area added that she now 'locks the door' of the business she works in when the sun goes down. "It feels a bit scary when you're on your own," she said. "I just feel there's not enough to deter them because police don't take this kind of thing too seriously. It's not a major crime, and obviously they've got limited resources. But it does feel like this is where a lot of it starts out, so it's worth nipping in the bud."
Further down the road, another business owner caught the altercation with the bus driver on CCTV. She later witnessed kids breaking down the door of a nearby property. "They were fighting and attacked a bus driver and a customer of the pub next door," they said. "A few local people tried to get involved to stop things but it all got out of control. It was just horrible to see. I've never seen anything like it, though I've only been here four months. Police dealt with it quite well when they arrived, but I think more needs to be done. These kids need asbos (anti-social behaviour orders), or the streets need more cameras. But it's tricky. You see the groups of teenagers and they're all ballied (wearing balaklavas) up. And you know they're going to cause trouble."
Local councillor Hannah Robinson-Smith said: "I am absolutely appalled by the incidents in Irlam and Cadishead over the past weekend. Violence and antisocial behaviour is never acceptable. Councillors are working closely with our community safety & neighbourhood management teams internally at Salford Council, and with our colleagues at GMP in the area neighbourhood policing team to identify participants and address these issues."
A statement issued by GMP confirmed there had been 'several reports of youths setting off fireworks on Liverpool Road, Cadishead. They have encouraged anyone with information, CCTV or ring doorbell footage to contact police on 101 and quote log log 3525 31/10/26.
Chief Inspector Lee Gridley neighbourhood lead for GMP Salford district, said: "We will not tolerate anti-social behaviour in our communities, and we will relentlessly tackle criminality, disrupt ASB and improve safety for local communities. If you have concerns about issues in your area, please reach out to us and report it. We are listening, and we will take action."
