Dispersal order issued in Manchester City Centre and beyond to prevent and tackle ASB
A Section 34 dispersal notice has been authorised across Greater Manchester to tackle antisocial behaviour (ASB), granting police additional powers to remove individuals causing harassment, alarm, or distress. The order, effective from 23/11/2024 for 48 hours, follows increased reports of disturbances, particularly involving youth gatherings. Police presence will be heightened, with one arrest already made for assaulting an emergency worker. Superintendent Phil Spurgeon emphasized public safety and encouraged reporting suspicious activity.
Greater Manchester police activated sweeping dispersal powers at 12:13 pm today (23/11/2024) after youth gangs began causing disturbances across the region, with the 48-hour order giving officers authority to remove anyone whose behaviour risks harassment, alarm or distress.
The Section 34 notice, covering every district under Greater Manchester Police, triggered an immediate surge in visible patrols focused on transport hubs and shopping areas. Officers can now order individuals or groups to leave specified locations instantly if they are judged likely to spark antisocial behaviour.
Within hours of the order taking effect, police enforcing the powers around Exchange Square arrested a man on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker.
Superintendent Phil Spurgeon of GMP’s specialist operations unit said the move responds to “a significant increase in footfall” and rising reports of disorder. “Groups of youth gathering together and causing disturbances” prompted him to authorise the region-wide dispersal under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act. “This is in the interest of protecting the public from excessive anti-social behaviour, disorder, and criminality over the weekend,” Spurgeon stated, urging residents and visitors to approach neighbourhood officers with concerns and to report suspicious activity on 101, or dial 999 in emergencies.
Source: Read original article