Police have apologised for a 'slow uptake' following the sharing of a brutal attack video online - and have now vowed to up patrols in Oldham as the investigation into the shocking clip continues. The mobile phone footage showed an attack on a male victim, who was pinned down and beaten by a number of people.
The video was shared over the weekend, but police have confirmed it was originally taken on June 21, and was followed by related attacks at three properties in the Westwood and Werneth areas of the borough on Saturday (July 2). It is understood the victim had moved to the UK seven months ago and had a student visa.
On Sunday, (July 3), Inspector Alan Sanders, of GMP's Oldham District, apologised to crowds of concerned and emotional residents. The impromptu meeting saw councillors, community leaders and crowds of residents gathered at the Anchor Business car park.
It was there that Inspector Sanders also said that the investigation has been 'stepped up' and that people can expect to see 'more officers' on streets in the area for public reassurance. He also confirmed that three people have been arrested in connection to the original assault and that police are continuing to try and chase the other perpetrators involved.
"I know emotions are high and that you feel police have been slow on the uptake with this. I apologise for that," he told crowds.
"We know things now, following the events of yesterday, that we didn’t know on the 21st. That has changed the urgency and risk and we’ve quite rightly stepped up our investigation.
"We have already made three arrests in relation to this incident and we know there are other in people involved. If we can identify those people, we will also arrest those.
"I can’t update you anymore in relation to that as they have not been interviewed yet and the investigation is ongoing but you will get updates in due course from your representatives in your community.
"I would ask that there isn’t any more retribution and disorder - all that does is distract us from the investigation into the initial event. You will see more officers on your streets in the coming days to reassure you but also to encourage you to engage with the officers and if you know something, please speak to them because it will help with the investigation."
In the video, which the Manchester Evening News has chosen not to share, blood can be seen pouring from the victim's face as he is pinned down and repeatedly hit and kicked whilst screaming on the floor. One of the attackers shouts 'strip him' and his clothes are then ripped off during the vicious attack before he is left naked and in a bloodied heap on the floor.
Oldham Councillor Zahid Chauhan OBE agreed that action from the police was needed to keep the community safe. He said the crime was 'shocking' and 'horrific' and said: "No violence can be justified. Immediate action and prevention from police is needed to safeguard all of us including addressing underlying reasons for a shambolic crime against humanity."
Council leader Amanda Chadderton told the M.E.N: "We would always welcome police patrols stepping up in the area to ensure people feel safe and are safe, as they are fundamentally different. Of course if the police have committed to increase patrols and to speak to concerned residents, we will welcome it, especially when tensions are high following such a horrific assault."
READ NEXT:
