Greater Manchester Police have issued a Dispersal Order for the city centre and parts of Ancoats after breaking up “numerous” mass gatherings this week.
The order gives officers power to remove those suspected of anti-social behaviour from a particular area – with people risking prosecution if they refuse to comply.
GMP confirmed the order would be in place until 3pm on Saturday 3 April.
Councillor Pat Karney said he supported the extra measures due to the “disgraceful and dangerous” gatherings seen in Manchester this week.
GMP had expressed initial “concerns” after an estimated 3,000 people congregated in Platt Fields Park on Tuesday (March 30); warning those who were failing to observe social distancing not “to ruin it for others”.
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But hundreds congregated at Castlefield Bowl the following evening for an unsanctioned DJ set.
The rave was eventually broken up by officers who were met with initial “hostility” from the crowd.
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Volunteer litter-pickers bagged up the waste left behind – filling 58 sacks with bottles, cans and food packets.
Many will have parents who have not had the jab and grandparents who have not had the second dose. The pandemic is not over and it's hard for everyone. https://t.co/vNnZ6K3Qog
Castlefield rave: @GMPolice say behaviour by crowds at the illegal party last night was "unacceptable" @BBCNWT Andy Gill spoke to ACC Chris Sykes pic.twitter.com/aQiJkbva7f
A dispersal order has been put in place across the #city centre and part of #Ancoats after numerous reports of gatherings and anti-social behaviour across the city. pic.twitter.com/EipCC1pXNS
— Manchester City Centre Police (GMP) (@GMPCityCentre) April 1, 2021
Inspector Jonathan Shilvock of GMP City of Manchester division, said an increased police presence would be seen on the streets during the Dispersal Order – with penalties issued to those found in breach.
He stated: “This week we have seen an increase in antisocial behaviour as people gather in large groups and are hostile towards our officers who attempt to engage with them and explain the coronavirus legislation which remains firmly in place even with some of the restrictions now being lifted.
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“This type of irresponsible behaviour causes concern for local residents and has a negative impact within the community.
“With the bank holiday weekend and Easter holidays taking place, I would like to remind everyone of the importance of making sure your celebrations comply with the legislation.
“Please be considerate of others and remember that we are still in the midst of a pandemic, and as we work our way towards the next step in the roadmap it’s important we aim to keep virus transmissions to a minimum.”
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Molly-Mae Hague and adidas drop new collection inspired by matcha and iced lattes
Daisy Jackson
Today, adidas has finally released its hotly-anticipated parnership with Manchester-based influencer Molly-Mae Hague.
The social media superstar has collaborated with the sportswear giant for a limited-edition footwear collection inspired by matchas and iced lattes.
Molly-Mae and adidas Originals have just given fans a look at the shoes for the first time.
The star has curated a limited-edition collection of iconic Originals silhouettes – a Samba and a Superstar.
The first is the Samba Matcha shoes, a premium leather and suede shoe in a soft green colour, with double pink and white laces.
The other is a Superstar II Latte, which again features double laces in coffee-coloured hues, but in the iconic leather Superstar silhouette.
In behind-the-scenes footage of the design process on Molly-Mae’s Amazon Prime documentary series, Behind It All, she described them as ‘matcha cool girl in London’ shoes – and the vision has definitely come to life.
Molly-Mae said: “Seeing my creative vision come to life on two iconic adidas Originals silhouettes that have long been staples in my wardrobe is a true dream.
“Being so closely involved in the design process and creating products that feel fun, timeless, and an authentic extension of my own personal style has been the best experience.
“I am so excited to see how others style them in their own way.”
Steve Marks, VP Brand adidas UK commented: “At adidas, we partner with individuals who define style through authenticity and a deep-rooted connection to our brand.
“Molly-Mae’s relationship with adidas Originals has developed organically over time as a key advocate of the brand and this partnership represents a natural evolution – bringing her signature aesthetic to two of our most iconic silhouettes.”
The limited-edition adidas Originals x Molly-Mae collection drops in stores and online on 9 April, priced at £100 per pair.
Greater Manchester’s homicide rates have now dropped to a ‘historic’ low
Emily Sergeant
Homicide rates in Greater Manchester are now at the lowest they’ve been for 25 years, according to new figures.
Thanks to a major programme introduced by Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to prevent violent crime and keep communities safe, known as the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), it has been revealed that the region’s homicide rate has fallen by 32% in 2025 to what is its lowest level on record since 1990.
If you’re unfamiliar with what the VRU is, it brings together GMP, Greater Manchester Probation Service, health and education professionals, youth justice, local authorities, and the voluntary, community and faith sector to address the underlying causes of violent crime.
It’s this multi-agency approach that’s said to be delivering ‘tangible results’ and driving a reduction in violent crime in Greater Manchester.
As well as homicide rates, the VRU’s partnership work with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) is also said to be having ‘major impact’ across the region on issues like knife crime.
Thanks to operational activity helping to disrupt serious violence and remove more weapons from the region’s streets, the police have also recorded that knife crime in Greater Manchester has fallen by 15% in the last year too.
Following a steady decline since 2021, rates of personal robbery have fallen by 17% in the last year in Greater Manchester.
Greater Manchester’s homicide rates have now dropped to a ‘historic’ low / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Additionally, A&E attendances due to assault decreased by 3% in the same time period, with a 9% reduction among young people aged 10–24, and ambulance callouts for assault also fell by 9% in relation to this.
GMCA says that the reductions in demand for emergency services, as revealed in the latest figures, prove just how much the VRU’s combined prevention and enforcement approach is working.
“These latest figures show the real progress being made in tackling violent crime and making our streets safer,” commented Mayor Andy Burnham.
“Reductions in knife crime and homicides don’t happen by chance – they come from early intervention, our strong partnership with the police and our work with communities to tackle the root causes of violence.”
The Manc -
2nd April 2021 
