Riots fightback begins

Nowhere to hide: THESE are the faces of suspected rioters in Manchester and Salford the police want the public’s help to trace. These images are on the GMP website; among hundreds received through Twitter and Facebook from the public. Anyone who recognises anyone here should call 0800-092 0410 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Court sits through night to cage thugs
POLICE have begun the fightback against rioters who tore apart Manchester and Salford by jailing looters and arresting suspected ringleaders.

There was peace on the streets of Greater Manchester last night as heavy rain and a doubling of the amount of police officers were credited with helping dampen down trouble.

The number arrested after Tuesday night’s shocking scenes of destruction now stands at 145 with people currently being put before the courts to meet swift justice.

There were 1,000 police incidents, 150 fires and 12 hurt during the violence. Manchester and Salford councils threatened to evict people from their council homes if they are identified on CCTV.

A special sitting of Manchester Magistrates' Court from 9pm last night began dealing with 117 defendants in custody.

Jason Ulett (38), of Woodward Court, Ancoats, was the first to be jailed yesterday for 10 weeks at Manchester Magistrates’ Court for using threatening or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause harassment, alarm and distress.

Ricky Gemmell (18), of Buckley Road, Levenshulme, who abused and goaded officers, was jailed for 16 weeks.

Also sentenced were Bernard Moore (46), of Ridgwood Avenue, Monsall, for 20 weeks for assaulting a police officer, Eoin Flanagan (28), of Carson Road, Burnage, for eight months for stealing clothes and Tom Skinkis (22) of Hulme, Manchester, for four months for a public order offence.

An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of the arson of Miss Selfridges in Manchester.

Three people were arrested on suspicion of theft from Salford Precinct after labelled items from a looted Cash Converters were found at an address.

Two men, aged 26 and 28 and from Salford, were arrested in Pendleton after police seized a balaclava, a bag of ball bearings, a fuel can, drugs and cash.

North-West Chief Crown Prosecutor Nazir Afzal said: “We have arranged for increased capacity in the courts to deal with these cases, and will seek remands in custody wherever appropriate.

“We are also advising on the charging of those caught in possession of property that was stolen. Anyone who handles stolen property is just as guilty of an offence as those who steal in the first place.”