Operation Tahara: Greater Manchester Police deploy task force to reassure Trafford and South Manchester Communities

In response to an incident at the Love Factory on Saturday 2 September 2023, extra patrols were deployed yesterday evening and will continue to be deployed throughout the coming days to further reassure local communities across Trafford and South Manchester.

This is part of GMP’s response to a number of incidents of serous violence which is being co-ordinated  under Operation Tahara. This  is a dedicated operation created to provide reassurance to the local communities and reduce serious and violent crime across Trafford and Manchester.

Officers  have been deployed to the area and will be talking to members of the community, conducing stop searches where appropriate, seizing illegal objects, and arresting those who choose to break the law.

Whilst the officers utilise their police powers to stop search; seize illegal objects; and arrest suspects, they also prioritise diverting young people away from antisocial behaviour and crime through engagement and referrals to specialist partner agencies and services, who can offer a broad range of opportunities for young people.

Detective Superintendent Dave Meeney, who oversees Operation Tahara, said: “Over the weekend, we implemented a Section 60 in response to concerns and intelligence about potential serious harm that could occur in the Trafford and South Manchester area, following a serious assault at the Love Factory in Manchester.

“At present it is not clear what the motive for the attack on Saturday night was or if it  is linked to previous incidents in the Manchester and Trafford areas, however we are exploring every possible avenue to ensure all these incidents are investigated comprehensively and no stone is left unturned.

“We promptly and effectively addressed any potential risk by collaborating with local authorities, partners, and the community and utilised powers under s.60 in the area. Thankfully we have not witnessed an escalation in serious violence.

“If you see our officers out and about over the coming days, please engage with them and if you have any concerns about crime in your area, they are there to offer support and advice. We will not tolerate any forms of violent crime or anti-social behaviour in our communities and Operation Tahara is here to respond to this.”

If you have any information regarding crime in your area, please contact GMP on 101 or by using our report tool on our website: www.gmp.police.uk. In an emergency, always dial 999.

Information about crime can also be reported anonymously via the independent charity – Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.