Paramedic pushed from his bike amid disorder involving 'up to 150 people' in Manchester city centre

Police issue dispersal order following disruption

Author: Gavin RutterPublished 8th May 2023

A dispersal order was issued across Manchester City Centre yesterday following anti-social behaviour involving a group of up to 150 people.

Police officers had bottles thrown at them while a paramedic was pushed from his bike.

Greater Manchester Police say a call was made to the emergency services at approximately 3.45pm, with the paramedic said to be uninjured.

Following that incident, the group then made their way over the tram tracks at Exchange Square, causing disruption, before entering the Arndale Centre.

Extra officers were deployed to the city centre to locate the individuals, who were spraying on the walls in the Arndale Centre and on the windows outside.

A man was detained on suspicion of causing damage and taken into custody.

A Section 35 Dispersal Order was implemented by officers until midnight.

The order gives police the power to exclude a person or people from an area for up to 48 hours through a written notice.

Superintendent Nicola Williams said: "On occasion, we have problems with people coming into the city centre and engaging in anti-social behaviour and the police are taking decisive action to stop this.

"Members of the public who live, visit or come into the city to work should not have to witness this behaviour or be put at risk. Today, my officers have had bottles thrown at them and this is totally unacceptable.

"The Dispersal Order means we will serve anyone who is taking part in this disturbing behaviour, notice to leave our City and they won't be allowed to return for at least 48 hours."

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