Police in Rochdale have issued a public appeal for information and witnesses after a teenager was left injured when a “large scale disorder” broke out earlier this week.
At around 10:30pm on Monday evening, (3 April) officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called to reports of large scale disorder involving over a dozen people on the Tweedale Street junction of Boundary Street in Rochdale.
It’s believed that 14 people were involved in the disorder, according to GMP, and were seen to be carrying and using weapons as part of the attack.
The group were said to have vacated from the area as other members of the public came over to them.
GMP confirmed that a 16-year-old male suffered injuries during the disorder, and was subsequently taken to hospital for treatment shortly after, where he still remains.
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A 16-year-old youth was arrested yesterday morning on suspicion of Section 18 assault.
With an investigation having now been launched to establish the identities of the people involved and the circumstances of this incident, GMP has spoken out to reassure the Rochdale community and confirm to residents that increased police patrols will be in the area.
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“I would like to reassure the public that this incident last night has certainly not gone unnoticed and we are actively pursuing all lines on enquiry to establish the circumstances of this incident,” said GMP Rochdale’s District Commander, Chief Superintendent Nicky Porter.
“We are also aware that this incident has understandably caused some concern in the local area.
“You will see an increased the number of officers on patrol around the local area to help provide reassurance and they are more than happy to provide a listening ear to any concerns or information you may have about any crimes or issues in your area.
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“Rochdale has a very strong community spirit, and our friends, families, neighbours and communities that live and work in the borough are disheartened by the violence displayed last night.”
The Tweedale Street junction of Boundary Street in Rochdale / Credit: Google Maps
Chief Superintendent Nicky Porter also confirmed that GMP will continue to work together with the Rochdale Council, local partners, and as one community to “ensure people feel safe and go about their daily lives, without fearing violence.”
GMP is also urging the public to come forward with any information, CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage that they may have regarding last night’s incident.
“Even if you think your piece of information is insignificant, it could be a huge help to our ongoing investigations.”
Anyone with any information can either report it to GMP directly by calling 101 quoting log 3921 of 03/04/2023, can do so online at www.gmp.police.uk, or alternatively, you can report anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – Google Maps
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GMP officer sentenced after hitting pedestrian during police chase in Rochdale
Emily Sergeant
A police officer has been sentenced this week after he struck and ‘seriously injured’ a pedestrian following a pursuit of a suspected drink driver in Rochdale.
35-year-old Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officer PC Sam Lockley pleaded guilty back in January 2026 following an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation.
The IOPC investigation established that, in the early hours of the morning on 19 November 2023, PC Lockley was driving a marked police vehicle with the lights and sirens activated, and attempted to stop a suspected drunk driver on Drake Street in Rochdale.
A short pursuit that commenced but stopped merely a minute later after the police vehicle collided with a pedestrian on the footpath of Rochdale Road at approximately 3:30am.
The evidence gathered indicated that PC Lockley failed to slow down as he approached and drove through the red traffic lights at the Kingsway junction, and was travelling at a speed of 96mph in a 30mph zone.
The pedestrian suffered ‘serious injuries’ as a result of the collision, and received extensive medical treatment following.
At a hearing back in February of this year, PC Lockley received a two-year suspended sentence and was ordered to carry out 15 days community service, while also receiving two-year driving disqualification.
Also following the investigation, the IOPC decided that Lockley should face a gross misconduct hearing to face allegations that his manner of driving breached the police standards of professional behaviour.
“We continue to liaise with the force about disciplinary proceedings,” the IOPC concluded.
IOPC Director Amanda Rowe added: “My sympathies remain with the man, who sustained serious injuries, and all those affected by the incident.
“This was a complex investigation which relied on extensive amounts of data and expert analysis and the evidence showed PC Lockley drove at excessive speeds at night-time and although he was responding to a report of a suspected drink driver, it does not excuse his manner of driving.
“PC Lockley admitted he drove in a dangerous manner when he didn’t address hazards or warnings during the pursuit and ultimately by the time he saw the pedestrian, he was travelling too fast to avoid a collision.
“His actions that day have had long-lasting consequences and he has now been held accountable.”
Featured Image – Rawpixel
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Manchester Town Hall is FINALLY taking wedding and events bookings for the first time since 2018
Emily Sergeant
A new era is on the horizon, as Manchester Town Hall has announced that it’ll be finally taking bookings for weddings and events once again.
That’s right… for the first time since it closed its doors to the public for what is the UK’s biggest restoration project to date back in 2018, one of Manchester’s most iconic landmarks is soon set to welcome its first weddings and events in a decade – with bookings for the city’s most romantic address now open once again.
Manchester Town Hall has stood at the centre of civic life in the city since 1877, and for generations, couples have exchanged their vows within its walls.
Now, as it enters the home stretch of its restoration, the Grade I-listed building is gearing up to kickstart weddings and corporate events from January 2028.
Set reopen to the public next year, first up will be a series of celebratory reopening events – which are yet to be announced – before a phased approach will then allow the building and teams to be fully prepared to host commercial events again from 2028.
Manchester Town Hall has announced that it’s finally taking wedding and events bookings for the first time since 2018 / Credit: Supplied
From its grand architecture and soaring stained glass windows, to sweeping staircases that offer the perfect ‘just married’ photo opportunities, this one-of-a-kind venue gives couples the opportunity to combine the romance and grandeur of a historic setting with the energy of a city centre celebration.
Inside the restored building, you’ll find The Great Hall, which is a magnificent setting with striking architectural character, as well as The Conference Hall, The Banqueting Hall, and The Reception Room, all of which offer equally characterful spaces that are perfect for private dinners, ceremonies, or corporate events.
The Lord Mayor’s Parlour is one of many settings overlooking the newly reopened Albert Square, while various elegant reception areas provide the perfect location for drinks and arrival moments.
“Our Town Hall is a real Victorian masterpiece and we’re looking forward to sharing it with the public once again,” explained Cllr Garry Bridges, who is Leader of Manchester City Council, as bookings finally open up this week.
“It’s a special building which belongs to the people and it’s great that they will be able to celebrate important landmarks in their lives, such as marriage, in its spectacular setting.
“The Town Hall is full of history. Here’s to many more stories being written within its walls.”
Want to be one of the first people who gets married or hosts an event at Manchester Town Hall once it reopens in 2028? You can enquire about booking here.
Emily Sergeant -
5th April 2023 
