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Greater Manchester Police issues statement on ‘current tension’ as rumours of ‘planned unrest’ swirl

'Our message is clear: there is no place for hate in Greater Manchester'

Daisy Jackson - 7th August 2024

Greater Manchester Police have issued a lengthy statement addressing the ‘uncertainty and worry’ felt by many following scenes of unrest at the weekend, with rumours swirling of more disorder today.

GMP has stressed that ‘there is no place for hate in Greater Manchester’.

Police across the UK are monitoring intelligence to respond to any incidents swiftly and effectively.

The force also said that ‘those involved in this disgraceful behaviour’ will be ‘dealt with robustly’.

As for what residents and communities should do this evening, GMP said: “Our advice to communities is to remain calm and to try to go about your every-day life,” adding that the police service is ‘heavily resourced’.

The statement also urged people to ‘remain vigilant’ and to report anything that doesn’t seem right to police.

Greater Manchester Police’s statement says: “We understand the uncertainty and worry that people are feeling about current tension, much of which is being fuelled by the widespread sharing of misinformation online which is sometimes being created with the purpose of creating fear and inciting intolerable hate.

“Our advice to communities is to remain calm and to try to go about your every-day life. GMP continues to monitor the intelligence to ensure we can respond effectively to any incidents of disorder. And, if we believe there needs to be specific information about anything emerging we will tell people and offer advice.

“We are heavily resourced, and we have specialist officers and staff who are working around the clock to tackle these issues and ensure our communities are supported. We are speaking to community leaders and elected representatives regularly to make sure they are appraised of all planned protests known to GMP. People living safely and peacefully, do not deserve to be frightened: we are here to protect you, and we will use all resources and capabilities to do so.

“Our message is clear: there is no place for hate in Greater Manchester. If you come here to willingly participate in disorder and crime, we will be at your door, ensuring you answer for your crimes. We will police without fear or favour and use all resources and powers available to ensure those involved in this disgraceful behaviour are dealt with robustly.

“This has been demonstrated with our relentless pursuit of offenders, many of whom have been arrested not only in Greater Manchester, but with the support of police colleagues across the UK and we have made crucial arrests in West Yorkshire and Lancashire.

“To date, we have made 26 arrests for a variety of offences including assault, violent disorder, possession of weapons, and 20 have been charged. There is work to be done, and we will not relent until we have systematically located and dealt with all those responsible.

“We ask that you remain vigilant. If you see something, or hear something, that does not feel right, report it to us so we can act.

“All information and reports will be handled with the utmost severity and sensitivity. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, information can be shared anonymously with the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111. We don’t need to know who you are; we just need your information and concerns.

“These are challenging times, but we are immensely proud to see the majority of our residents standing together and condemning this unacceptable disorder. Your unwavering support has not gone unnoticed.”