Riot police turn up following 'explosive' argument during Oldham Council meeting
The meeting was adjourned after a heated debate centred around the ‘controversial’ Places for Everyone housing scheme
Police officers turned up to an Oldham Council meeting after an ‘explosive’ argument between councillors of different political groups and the public.
The meeting was adjourned after a heated debate centred around the ‘controversial’ Places for Everyone housing scheme.
Tensions rose to the point that members of the public and councillors were hurling abuse at each other and the acting borough solicitor, including references to ‘dictators’ and ‘Nazi sympathisers’.
Oldham Mayor Zahid Chauhan called for an adjournment to the meeting – but the conflict didn’t end there.
A riot van and police cars were pictured outside the council building. It is thought police had also been called out during the evening to a protest gathering outside.
The police were called over to the incident.
The meeting remained adjourned for an hour and 45 minutes, while officers took statements and political groups convened in private rooms to discuss how to move forward.
Once the meeting was resumed, councillors involved in the ‘aggressive behaviour’ shown throughout the meeting were asked to apologise.
But after one refused to do so, the meeting was suspended.
Council leader Arooj Shah told the chamber: “Shame on all of us for allowing this behaviour to continue and grow and stand here to proclaim we represent the people of the borough and their best interest when we conduct ourselves like this.”
It is not known whether the riot van was called over the argument inside the chamber, or a protest outside.
Greater Manchester Police have been approached for details.