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Oldham police issue dispersal order following ‘repeat incidents’ of disorder in town centre

Emily Sergeant

A dispersal order has been issued in Oldham following ‘repeat incidents’ of disorder between groups of youths.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed that it has implemented a Section 35 dispersal order and additional Section 60 ‘stop and search’ powers in Oldham following repeat incidents of disorder between groups of youths in the town centre.

The measures were introduced yesterday afternoon (9 December) after reports of disorder came into police, which also followed similar incidents seen earlier this and last week.

So far, five arrests have been made in connection with the incidents – two for violent disorder, and three for possession of offensive weapons.

A Section 35 dispersal order is in effect for 48 hours until 1:25pm this Thursday (11 December), and the Section 60 is in effect for an initial 24 hours until 1:25pm today.

#UPDATE | We have implemented a Section 35 dispersal order and a Section 60 stop and search powers in Oldham Town Centre today at 1:25pm.

The measures will remain in place for 48 hours for the S.35 and for 24 hours for the S.60 following disorder.

More➡️ https://t.co/QMW2Ob8lf7 pic.twitter.com/1RP0may9FZ

— Oldham Police (GMP) (@GMPOldham) December 9, 2025

The dispersal order allows officers to exclude a person, or people, from an area for up to 48 hours through a written notice, while the Section 60 authority grants officers extended powers to stop and search individuals within the area.

Neighbourhood officers will maintain a high-visibility presence in the area and will use these powers where necessary to ‘keep the public safe’.

“These measures are in place to prevent further disorder and ensure the safety of those living, working, and visiting Oldham town centre,” commented Inspector Amie Whitehead, who is the Neighbourhood Inspector for Oldham South & West.

“We will not tolerate antisocial behaviour and will take robust action against anyone involved.

“These powers are crucial to preventing any further offences from taking place. If you have any concerns or any information, then please speak to those officers who are there to help.”

Read more:

• ‘Stop and search’ powers introduced after several incidents of violent disorder in Oldham

Anyone with any information is urged to contact police via 101 or using the LiveChat function on www.gmp.police.uk, quoting log 1619 of 09/12/25.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Featured Image – Wikimedia Commons

Manchester City are hosting special Christmas-themed tours of the Etihad Stadium

Danny Jones

Manchester City FC’s critically acclaimed stadium tour is about to get super festive, as the Etihad Stadium are now hosting special Christmas-themed walks around the ground.

You’ve watched the tales of the ‘Centurions’, ‘Treble winners, the ‘Fourmidables’, and plenty of other ‘Cityzen’ stories play out in front of you, but have you visited the hallowed halls while their decked doughs of holly for yourself?

Well, now’s your chance.

Hosting a series of exclusive festive tours around the Etihad this month, Man City fans, club-obsessed kids, and football fanatic tourists in general can take a walk around the impressive sporting arena for the perfect early Christmas present.

In addition to being able to walk around the famous home of the Blues, sit in the home team dressing room and see the trophy cabinet, fans of all ages can now field questions with virtual Pep and Haaland in their very own press conference, before walking down the tunnel, into the dugout and sitting pitchside.

Once you’ve finished warming up the gaffer’s very own seat (they’re actually already heated), supporters can look forward to a brand-new dancing light display, plus more heartwarming entertainment in the form of Christmas carol audio recorded by Manchester’s very own Hallé Youth Choir.

As if that wasn’t enough, ‘Beyond the Blue Moon’ VR experiences and special ‘Etihad After Dark’ tours will be available, too, giving people from all over and of all ages an extra opportunity to turn up and make the most of this truly global club.

You can even grab a warming mulled wine or hot Vimto during the evening slots to keep your hands nice and toasty as you go around – be rude not to.

Rumour has it Santa may have left a gift lying around each day, too. Safe to say that puts our Advent calendar this year to shame…

Here’s hoping he doesn’t get a telling off for wearing red…

Evening tours at the Eithad will be held from 5:30 and 6pm on 7, 12, 14, 18, 22 and December, and the main slot will be running all the way up until Christmas Eve (24 Dec).

You can even grab a warming mulled wine or hot Vimto to keep your hands nice and toasty as you go around – be rude not to.

Tickets start from only £26 per person and family passes are priced at just £60.

Better still, you can even spring for the VIP package if you fancy: a two-hour experience that is one of the most interactive and immersive you’ll find anywhere.

The Etihad Stadium is currently in the middle of a huge redevelopment, both in terms of size and things to do around the wider Campus, with the expanded North Stand not only seeing matchday fan capacity increased to over 60k, but a new club shop, sky bar, hotel, and a rooftop walk being added.

With that in mind, it’s no wonder that the already award-winning City stadium tours are simultaneously seeing an upgrade over the holiday period.

Being given the Tripadvisor seal of approval once again last year, as the club were once again recognised in the Travellers’ Choice ‘Best of the Best’ – putting them not just in the top three stadium tours in the UK but in the top 1% of the most highly rated in the world – things are only getting bigger.

You can find out full availability, timings and where to get tickets right HERE.

Read more:

• Erling Haaland breaks yet another Premier League record after nine-goal thriller
• The Rest Is Football to host new Netflix show during the 2026 World Cup
• Manchester to host five Euro 2028 matches – including England’s opener at the Etihad game

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Manchester City Football Club (supplied)/The Manc Group