Around 60 teenagers are believed to have been involved in a series of violent incidents in Cadishead, during which a bus driver was pushed to the ground and kicked, police officers were assaulted, and local pubs were targeted with fireworks and eggs. Two 13-year-olds have been arrested in connection with the disorder.
Attacks on bus driver, police and property
Footage, shared widely on social media and then deleted, showed a gang of youths pushing over a bus driver and kicking him while he was on the ground, and a young teen throwing punches at passersby who tried to intervene. Other videos showed fireworks and eggs being aimed at local pubs, the door of a private property being kicked in and stormed by youngsters, and an aggressive altercation with police officers.
One of the arrested 13-year-olds was held on suspicion of violent disorder and perverting the course of justice. The other was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder, section 47 assault, and two counts of assaulting an emergency worker.
Bus services rerouted and girl's group cancelled
The incidents had far-reaching consequences for the neighbourhood. Bus services to the already isolated town were rerouted for several days, dropping passengers in Irlam. Jamie Horrocks Trust cancelled the only girl's group in the area, stating 'we do not feel we can guarantee the safe environment that our young people deserve'.
Cadishead and Irlam have seen anti-social behaviour over the last few months. Before this latest spate of vandalism and violence, the area was also targeted in a series of 'HMO' attacks, where properties believed to be mistaken for houses of multiple occupation had their front windows smashed and were daubed with racist graffiti. This is despite the area only having around 12 HMOs, according to local councillors.
Residents feel 'left behind'
Locals said the neighbourhood's problems, while bad at the moment, were nothing particularly new. One resident, who wished not to be named, said, "We're the forgotten village. Police don't come down here anymore unless something awful happens. There's no patrols. Same with the council. We don't get any investment, we're always the last on the list. That's why stuff like this happens."
Area councillor Hannah Robinson-Smith said Cadishead often feels left behind because it is one of the furthest towns from the centre of Salford. She said there is an 'element of misinformation' to the idea that the council and police don't care about Cadishead, noting that some locals engage with social media rather than reporting incidents directly to the police and local authority. However, she acknowledged, "At the same time there's an element of truth to it. Cadishead is really disconnected... We lost our local police station and district town hall. And people can't feel the benefits of all the big, shiny projects happening in Media City. So, I can absolutely see why residents feel like the council doesn't care."
Coun Robinson-Smith added she did not want the area to be 'defined' by the last few months, saying she knew the area to be a 'strong and vibrant community'. The area does have two police community support officers (PCSOs) who have an outpost at the local fire station, though they do not typically patrol the streets.
Police and council response
PS Heather Stott, from the Eccles, Irlam and Cadishead Neighbourhood Team, said, "I understand the concern these incidents have caused for local residents, and I want to reassure the community that we are working hard to disrupt this behaviour and prevent any further escalation. Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area, with dedicated patrols and proactive activity taking place over the coming weeks."
Councillor Barbara Bentham, Lead Member for Environment, Neighbourhoods and Community Safety at Salford City Council, said, "We know the vast majority of children and young people in Salford are respectful, responsible and make a positive contribution to our communities. It is disappointing when the actions of a small minority cause distress to residents, who have every right to feel safe and secure in their own homes. We are supporting Greater Manchester Police with their ongoing enquiries and urge anyone with information or footage to come forward." She added that the council's Youth Service has been working with local schools and police to engage with young people, and that anyone feeling vulnerable or concerned about their safety can contact the council for practical advice and support.
