GMP arrest 19 people over the weekend while policing protests

Greater Manchester Police ran a dedicated policing operation over the course of the weekend, strategically working with partners and protest organisers to facilitate peaceful and lawful protests.

Officers made five arrests on Saturday and a further 14 arrests on Sunday in relation to offences for being drunk and disorderly, possession of a weapon, assault, criminal damage, and violent disorder.

A dedicated team of officers are currently working to bring charges against those arrested and investigators are carrying out work to identify further offenders who will become subject of police action.

Seven people were charged with possession of a weapon: Ajaz Ahmed (43), Daniel Robinson (37), Matthew Edge (34), Hamza Mohammed (23), Keenan Sanders (20), and two 16-year-olds.

Gareth Rigby (43) was charged with assault.

Stephen Watson, Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, said: “I want to thank the vast majority of law-abiding citizens of Greater Manchester who either stayed away from events over the weekend, or who took part by sharing their views in a way that did not break the law, but which upheld our democratic right to peaceful protest.

"However, it was clear that across all events, there were people of all political and cultural backgrounds who attended with the intent of causing trouble and breaking the law.

“There are consequences for inciting hate and causing damage, and those who have broken the law will be held accountable for their actions.

"Where arrests have been made, charges have been quickly sought and some offenders have already appeared before the courts and we expect to make further arrests.

"We have gathered extensive video evidence, collected testimonies, and our intelligence teams are working vigorously with support from the full force to identify further criminal behaviour and locate those responsible.

"Justice will be forthwith. 

“I am proud of all the efforts of our officers and staff made to bring these events to a largely peaceful conclusion and from preventing illegal acts to bring about harm to those who want to live in harmony.

"We will continue our policing effort to help ensure this remains the case.

“I am also thankful to those scores of staff who took part in their planning and management of events: as well as those who continued to answer the phone and respond to calls for help.

“Our policing response will continue with great fortitude; we are resilient and will maintain a highly visible presence across Greater Manchester.

"We are committed to protecting our communities and our scale and security will be one of reassurance and prevention, as speciality trained officers are positioned to minimise potential for disruption and equipped to respond quickly and intervene early. 

“As we engage with members of our communities, we are reminded of our privilege to be in a place that actively enables voices to be heard.

"We are acting robustly to protect the integrity of this right, and using all legal powers at our disposal to ensure people feel safe and are safe.”

Late last week, a hotel that provides shelter for asylum seekers near Failsworth on Oldham Road in Newton Heath, was one of the places that was targeted.

The group could be heard shouting verbal abuse at migrants entering the building such as "go home" and "you're not welcome here".

Over the weekend, the disorder ramped up in numerous towns and cities across the UK.

Meanwhile, the Mayor of Oldham, Cllr Zahid Chauhan, has issued a statement after being contacted by community groups and individuals with "significant concerns of safety".

Writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, the Mayor said: "Thuggery, violence attacking police, emergency workers and innocent people by ANY group on names of religion, nationalism, race etc can’t be justified and all should condemn them.

"You can’t protect British values or Britain by throwing bricks at each other."

Cllr Chauhan said his "strongest advice" for people across the country is to avoid travelling to places with "high tensions" and avoid "slogans which will fuel tensions further".

The Mayor also said people "don't need [certification] from thugs of being equal citizens in this country" and urged residents to "respect others if you want to be respected - hatred will just product hatred".

He added: "You don't need to reclaim streets [or] protect mosques by standing outside mosques.

"Check on your neighbours, especially in affected areas.

"Follow police advice and respect instructions given.

"They are leaving families at home and are giving up rest days to protect us and our communities.

"Personally, I am proud to belong to the NHS where people from 200 countries are supporting our communities irrespective of colour, gender or religion.

"I am proud to be in public life as an elected representative for years serving my communities in various positions alongside amazing colleagues from all backgrounds.

"Stay positive."

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