A 17-year-old boy has been arrested by police in Oldham investigating the sickening filmed assault of a teenager and a string of 'retaliation' incidents after the footage was shared on social media, it was revealed tonight.
Greater Manchester Police said the suspect 'handed himself in' on Wednesday night. He was arrested on suspicion of assault and after being questioned, has now been bailed as enquires continue, GMP confirmed.
It brings the total number of arrests made so far to four. Three 17-year-old boys were arrested in connection with the assault over the weekend and also remain on bail.
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GMP said a series of 'retaliation' incidents occurred after footage of the 19-year-old being brutally beaten and stripped was shared on social media at the weekend. On Sunday, officers received a report of a group of people attacking three properties in the Westwood and Werneth areas of Oldham. Windows were smashed.
Then, on Monday and Tuesday, further reports of criminal damage to a restaurant on Eleanor Street were received, resulting in a number of windows being broken.
One line of enquiry is that the teenager in the video may have been set up after going to meet a girl.
In an update on Thursday, GMP said: "A further arrest has been made as part of an on-going investigation following several incidents of disorder that are believed to be in response to a video being circulated online.
"A video of an assault, which occurred on 21 June in an alleyway off Featherstall Road North, was reported at the time and a full, thorough investigation was launched. Three 17-year-old males were arrested in connection with the incident and bailed pending further enquiries.
"Another male, 17-years-old, handed himself in last night and was arrested on suspicion of assault and has been bailed for further enquires.
The assault is not believed to have been hate crime-related, police said. Police and the council have repeated a call for calm and for anyone with information to come forward.
Councillor Jean Stretton, cabinet member for neighbourhoods at Oldham Council, said: "What has happened over the last few days has caused concern and worry to residents. At this time, it's important everyone stays calm and safe and lets the police get on with their job of bringing the people responsible for the attack to justice.
"Thankfully, we've been told the young victim is making a recovery. He has appealed for calm and asked that there is no more violence or retaliation, so please listen to his words.
"This weekend it’s Eid al-Adha, which many Oldhamers will be celebrating with family and friends. I would ask everyone in the community to work together and help ensure Eid is a happy and peaceful time."
Chief Superintendent Chris Bowen said: "We know that the video, which shows a male being violently assaulted, has understandably left a community concerned but I would like to reassure them that our investigation is very much on-going at a rapid pace.
"The events over the last few days are continuing to worry those nearby and I would like to reassure those concerned that we are doing all we can to prevent any further disorder – such events should not divide such a strong community. Our aim, as always, is to bring people to justice. The investigation into the assault is continuing, with three arrests made and now a further one. Those involved in committing further disorder will also be brought to justice."
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