Five men charged in connection with Manchester's weekend of disorder
The force want to thank those who attended protests last night and expressed their views in a "peaceful and lawful manner"
Last updated 8th Aug 2024
Five men have been charged with violent disorder and one man has been charged with criminal damager following protests across Manchester at the weekend (3-4 August 2024).
Marcus Foster (28/06/2000) of Oswald Road, Chorlton, has been charged with violent disorder, he has been remanded into custody ahead of an appearance at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court on Thursday 8 August 2024.
Paul Smith (03/05/2003) of Keynsham Road, Manchester, has been charged with violent disorder, he has been remanded into custody ahead of an appearance at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court on Thursday 8 August 2024.
Steven Miller (04/02/1986) of Farnworth, Bolton, has been charged with violent disorder, he has been remanded into custody ahead of an appearance at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court on Thursday 8 August 2024.
Joseph Ley (25/01/1994) of Hardman Street, Stockport, has been charged with violent disorder, he has been remanded into custody ahead of an appearance at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court on Thursday 8 August 2024.
Oliver Chapman (13/03/2001) of Connaught Avenue, Whitefield, has been charged with criminal damage, he has been remanded into custody ahead of an appearance at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court on Thursday 8 August 2024.
Greater Manchester Police said: "We would like to thank residents across Greater Manchester who attended protests last night and expressed their views in a peaceful and lawful manner.
"Many have shown great defiance to disorder and intolerable behaviour, and we would like to reiterate our gratitude to the majority of our law-abiding residents, businesses, and visitors, for their support and determination to keep our communities safe.
"Whilst the evening passed without significant disorder, we are not complacent, and we will continue our proactive approach to ensure anyone participating in criminal activity faces the full force of the law."
"Since we first saw the increase in violent disorder across the country following the tragic events in Southport on Monday 29 July 2024, we have effectively utilised the resources and support of the entire force, with officers out in communities to assure residents, businesses, and faith leaders of our support and determination.
"We recognise that this is an uncertain time for all our communities, and we remain committed to working with you all to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.
"Whilst we have seen an increase in misinformation being circulated online, attempting to fuel divisions, we are proud that our communities are standing against this and working with our officers on the ground. So many of our dedicated officers, staff and emergency service colleagues have deployed across the force, day and night, to make sure our communities are safe, and feel safe to have their voices heard.
"We will continue to engage with people across Greater Manchester in the coming days and weeks, if you have any concerns, please speak to us.
"If you see information circulating online about possible order, please report this to us so we can investigate and respond.
"We have a proud tradition of actively enabling our communities’ voices to be heard and upholding the democratic right to protest. We see large scale events take place peacefully week in, week out, across Greater Manchester, often passing without incident.
"We will not tolerate any incidents of intimidation, abuse, or violence, and Greater Manchester Police will take swift, appropriate action against anyone breaking the law."