GMP enforce Section 60 powers following antisocial behaviour in Rochdale

Officers have responded to two reports of around 100 youths causing antisocial behaviour at Broadfield Park on Thursday 9 February 2023 at around 5pm and another report with the same circumstances on Sunday 12 February 2023 at around 2pm.

A co-ordinated response was put in place involving officers from Specialist Operations and response officers from Rochdale district and the groups were successfully dispersed.

Following a search of the area afterwards, a bag was found containing weapons including a machete, axe, hammer and a knife which have all been seized pending forensic recovery.

A section 60 has also been put in place in the highlighted area from 2:30pm to 10:30pm today and may be extended further.

Inspector John Cesarz of GMP’s Rochdale district said: “From our investigation so far, we understand that a lot of those involved were young and could have easily been drawn in by what was going on, but please be assured that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated in our communities.

“These measures have been put in place to prevent any further violence and keep the public safe from harm. This kind of behaviour will not be tolerated and needs to be stopped before someone is seriously hurt.

“We have planned extra police resources to provide visible reassurance over this weekend to members of the community, alongside extra patrols from our partner agencies.

"If you or anyone you know may have seen anything that could help with our enquiries or have CCTV or Dash Cam footage of the area at the time, please get in touch with police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

"Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111."