Two arrests after series of disorder in Manchester city centre

GMP have made two arrests in relation to a series of youth disorder and robberies

Author: Adam FawcettPublished 6th Jan 2024

Police have made two arrests after a series of youth disorders and robberies in Manchester city centre over the festive period.

At around 5pm on Tuesday 26 December, officers received reports of a disturbance involving a large group of people at the Arndale Centre.

Officers attended and arrested two youths at the scene. They have since been released under investigation

GMP say they were also made aware of a robbery in the Piccadilly Gardens area of Manchester on 3 January, where two 15-year-old boys had their high value designer coats stolen by a group of other boys who had threatened them.

Detectives are continuing to investigate the two incidents, and have since carried out early morning raids in Clayton, resulting in the arrest of two boys aged 15 and 16.

They are being questioned on suspicion of violent disorder and robbery offences.

Chief Inspector Steve Wiggins, from City of Manchester district, said: "We're aware that these incidents are causing considerable concern to residents and those visiting the city centre.

“We have deployed neighbourhood officers to work alongside partners including staff in the Arndale Centre to conduct patrols to provide a visible reassurance and speak to any individuals who are causing issues.

"These arrests today are exactly the sorts of results we want to deliver and what our communities rightly expect from us, and will continue this momentum by conducting CCTV trawls and we will investigate any new information and lines of enquiry fully to bring those responsible to justice."