GMP introduce extra powers after machete fight
The force says such violent outbursts will not be tolerated
Police have been given extra powers in a part of North Manchester, after a fight involving a group of people armed with machetes.
GMP have put a Section 60 authority – which allows police to stop and search vehicles to prevent serious violence, find weapons or apprehend those suspected of carrying weapons – in place in Harpurhey until approximately 4.15pm today (Thursday 16 March 2023).
Officers say yesterday afternoon six males had been fighting on Tavistock Square, and that it's believed a number of them were armed with machetes.
It also follows a large disturbance outside a pub on Glendower Drive on Sunday (12 March 2023), in which a firearm was discharged and a man received serious injuries from a large knife.
Police currently believe that the two incidents are linked.
Inspector Derek Quinn of Harpurhey, Charlestown and Moston Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “These violent outbursts by certain individuals in the area will not be tolerated. There has already been someone who has sustained serious injuries caused by a knife and we don’t want this, or anything worse, to happen to anyone else.
“We have initiated a further S60 and would like to reassure members of the local community that we will also be increasing patrols to try and prevent any further violence.
“We are also appealing to anyone who may have any CCTV, dashcam and doorbell footage of these incidents to come forward. You can contact us via 101, through the use of the Live Chat function on our website www.gmp.police.uk or anonymously through the independent charity – Crimestoppers – on 0800 555 111.”