Fifteen arrests were made, seven knives taken, and drugs seized by police during a night of chaos in Manchester.
Police rushed to 'incidents of violent disorder' in Hulme last night. Officers were called to St Lawrence Street, in the St Georges area, at 10pm on Tuesday evening, May 30.
The officers 'discovered a large number of youths with weapons', according to Greater Manchester Police (GMP). The arrests and weapons seizures have prompted a warning from police as one inspector says 'it is fortunate no one was injured, this could have been a very different story'.
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Officers from GMP’s response policing teams and tactical aid unit were on duty responding to the incidents. Some 14 juveniles were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder, and another juvenile was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly - all remain in police custody for questioning.
Inspector Richard Flanagan of GMP’s City of Manchester district said: “We have made over a dozen arrests last night and I hope this shows our commitment to tackling criminals and keeping the streets of Greater Manchester safe and shows that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated in our communities.
“Alongside the arrests, a number of dangerous weapons have been seized and removed off the streets, as well as a quantity of drugs, this is a step in the right direction. Seven more knives taken off our streets means a number of lives can be saved from violent crime.
"These arrests and weapon seizures are exactly the sorts of results we want to deliver and what our communities expect from us."
“Sadly, some people think it's normal to carry a knife and we need communities to pull together and challenge that behaviour," continued the inspector. "It is fortunate no one was injured, this could have been a very different story, and this is a very fitting opportunity to appeal to the public.
"If you know someone is carrying a knife, you can direct them to one of our Forever Amnesty bins, which are permanently located in local police stations around Manchester for people to deposit knives and other bladed weapons without fear of prosecution.
“Our focus will continue to remain on robust action towards those who we suspect of being involved in violent crime to keep our communities safe.”
You can make a report to GMP via 101 or the LiveChat function on our website: www.gmp.police.uk. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Crimestoppers also have a dedicated website which enables 11 – 17-year-olds to pass on information anonymously – this can be accessed through www.fearless.org. Always call 999 in an emergency.
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