Manchester City Centre is subject to a dispersal order until midnight following a disturbance

GMP received a call at approximately 3.45pm today, Sunday 7 May 2023, to reports a Paramedic had been pushed off his bike in the city centre, by one of a group of up to 150 people engaging in anti-social behaviour. Luckily he was uninjured.

The group then made their way over the tram tracks at Exchange Square, causing disruption, before entering the Arndale Centre.

Extra officers were deployed to the city centre to locate the individuals, who were spraying on the walls in the Arndale Centre and the windows outside. A man was detained on suspicion of causing damage and taken into custody.

A Section 35 Dispersal Order has now been implemented by officers, which allows police to exclude a person or people from an area for up to 48 hours through a written notice.

This is aimed at preventing and reducing the risk of any anti-social behaviour or disorder, and, in this case, is focused around the areas shown in the map (pictured).

Locations affected by the Section 35 Dispersal Order

Superintendent Nicola Williams said: "On occasion, we have problems with people coming into the city centre and engaging in anti-social behaviour and the police are taking decisive action to stop this.

"Members of the public who live, visit or come into the city to work should not have to witness this behaviour or be put at risk. Today, my officers have had bottles thrown at them and this is totally unacceptable.

"The Dispersal Order means we will serve anyone who is taking part in this disturbing behaviour, notice to leave our City and they won't be allowed to return for at least 48 hours."