Stop and search powers extended the Hulme area of Manchester

Officers have so far made 15 arrests and conducted over 16 hours of searches with assistance from GMP's Tactical Aid Unit in response to violent disorder in the St George's area of Manchester. 

GMP continue to work on implementing additional tactics and strategies to reduce crime and endeavour to keep residents safe. One such tactic is a Section 60 stop and search order, which has been enforced in the area.

The disruption tactic is in response to multiple incidents of violent disorder last night on St Lawrence Street, in the St George’s area of Manchester, where officers were called at 10pm last night (Tuesday 30 May 2023) to reports of violent disorder and upon attendance they discovered a large number of youths with weapons. 14 juveniles were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and another juvenile was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly.

A Section 60 order can be implemented in areas where either serious violence has occurred or police believe violence is about to occur and gives officers the power to stop and search anyone in a designated location within a specific time frame - looking for offensive weapons or bladed articles and the order has been extended, this will run until 8.13pm on Thursday 1 June 2023.

 

Map of the section 60 area

Detective Superintendent Muzemil Kernain, of GMP's City Centre district, said: "We have seen a rise in violence in the vicinity and feel it is absolutely necessary and proportionate to implement this measure to enable us to keep our communities safe.

"Although we believe the incidents we have seen in the area are targeted and there is no wider threat to the public, this measure will be in place to ensure our community are kept safe from harm.

"The decision to implement a Section 60 power is not a choice we take lightly, and I hope that by enforcing these preventative measures it will showcase our commitment to tackling serious and violent crime, which has no place in our community.

"I would encourage anyone who sees anything suspicious or has any information that could assist us to come forward and speak with police. Please either speak to police on the street or call us on 101 or 999 in an emergency."

Reports can also be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.