A bus driver in Salford was knocked to the ground and kicked by a gang of youths on Halloween, with the same group also shooting fireworks at cars and a pub, prompting Greater Manchester Police (GMP) to appeal for witnesses.
The incident took place on the Cadishead estate, where footage shared on social media showed the youngsters "terrorising" the streets. The 67 bus was forced to divert from the area after the altercation. CCTV footage, seen by the Manchester Evening News, showed a group of around 15 to 20 youngsters knocking the driver off his feet and kicking him on the ground. A passer-by who attempted to intervene was also seemingly attacked by a number of the teens. Many of the gang appear to be aged between 12 and 16.
Pub Targeted with Fireworks and Eggs
Local witnesses said the group had also 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."
The managers shared they believed the siege had been 'planned' on social media, with groups of teens arriving at different times on the bus. They added: "We've heard it might happen again on bonfire night. So we've had to put a safety plan in place for that."
Business Owner Witnesses Chaos
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. She said: "They were fighting and attacked a bus driver and a customer of the pub next door. A few local people tried to get involved to stop things but it all got out of control. It was just horrible to see.
"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 balaclavas) up. And you know they're going to cause trouble."
Residents 'Scared to Go Out'
The incidents, which have been widely discussed in community groups, have left much of the neighbourhood shocked. Pauline Burgess, 85, said: "They behave like animals. 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. She said: "It feels a bit scary when you're on your own. 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."
A shopkeeper, who lives locally and didn't want to be named, said she also no longer left the house after dark over "fear of what could happen." The 54 year-old said: "These kids just have no respect anymore. I saw them all congregating around the Coach and House bus stop on Halloween, and I just thought 'where have they all come from?' Then later I saw the videos. It's just awful. I don't blame [Transport for Greater Manchester] for cancelling the services. That driver definitely has a family, people who depend on him. Bus drivers shouldn't have to fear for their safety when they're doing their jobs."
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. Another local shopkeeper, 46, said: "I don't think it's fair to punish everyone for what these kids have done. People rely on those buses to get home, and not everyone can walk well or afford a taxi."
Official Response
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 and 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.
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."
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."
