Stop-and-search powers have been stepped up in Didsbury after a huge brawl broke out between youths outside a leisure complex.
The massive fight - which police said involved up to 30 young people - broke out at the Parrs Wood Entertainment Centre off Kingsway at around 3.15pm yesterday (Monday). Officers said some of those involved were armed with knives and baseball bats.
One male was left injured in the fight, which happened as pupils from the nearby Parrs Wood High School were making their way home, by two unknown suspects. No arrests have been made yet.
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One eye-witness told the M.E.N. a man was seen 'running after students trying to attack them'. They said: "He had a black baseball bat and a black mask on as the students left Parrs Wood High.
"People were having to run in the road." In a statement issued this afternoon, Greater Manchester Police said a Section 60 order was being put in place in the area around the complex and on nearby streets.
This gives officers increased stop-and-search powers. The order will be in place from 2.30pm today until 10.30pm.
Police said they hope this reassures parents, teachers and people in the local community. Detective Superintendent Neil Jones of the South Manchester District said: "These acts of violence and aggression on our streets will not be tolerated and further to the events of yesterday, I have today authorised a Section 60 stop and search authority.
"This means that we are able to search individuals whom we think may be concealing weapons and take them off the streets. I also want to reassure the community that we are looking to identity the culprits of these violent outbursts and we will take them into custody.
"In granting this authority, I want to reassure parents and teachers that my officers will be using these powers to help protect local school pupils and not to target them for unnecessary searches. If anyone has any information regarding the events yesterday, we ask that you dial 101 or engage with our officers on the Live Chat function on our website, www.gmp.police.uk quoting log number 2126 of 20 March 2023.
"Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to the independent charity – Crimestoppers – 0800 555 111."
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