At around 9.30pm on Friday 14 August 2020, police were called to reports of anti-social behaviour on Wilmslow Road. Officers attended and established that approximately 200 people and 50 vehicles were in attendance.
At around 9.05pm on Wednesday 19 August 2020, police were again called to reports of anti-social behaviour on Wilmslow Road. Officers attended and established that approximately 30-40 people and 20 vehicles were in attendance.
During the gatherings, which breached Covid-19 restrictions, there were a number of serious related incidents including dangerous driving. In addition, missiles were thrown at police officers and fireworks were set off from the roofs of cars. A significant number of police resources and road closures were required to safely disperse the gatherings.
Enquiries are ongoing.
Detective Inspector Stephen Wiggins, of GMP’s City of Manchester district, said: “We understand that these large gatherings were commemorating days of great significance and importance to some of Greater Manchester’s communities.
“However, these incidents were a breach of Covid-19 restrictions and some individuals’ behaviour was unacceptable – putting people at risk, increasing demand on the emergency services and requiring the allocation of a significant number of specialist police resources which could be called upon at any time to respond to a critical or major incident.
“We are aware that these incidents have caused concern among members of the public and partner agencies so I would like to use this opportunity to say that, although they have now passed, enquiries are ongoing to identify anyone responsible for committing criminal offences.
“I, therefore, appeal to anyone with information which may assist us in this to contact us or Crimestoppers anonymously as soon as possible.”
Anyone with information regarding the incident on Friday 14 August 2020 should contact police on 0161 856 4412 quoting 3570 of 14/08/20. Anyone with information regarding the incident on Thursday 19 August 2020 should quote 3038 of 19/08/20. Information can also be shared anonymously via the independent charity – Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
