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
News
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.