An attack on a paramedic in Manchester city centre has been described as 'horrendous' by a councillor.
The paramedic was pushed off his bike by one of a group of up to 150 people 'causing disruption' near the Arndale and Exchange Square on Sunday afternoon (May 7). Police said the large group was 'engaging in anti-social behaviour', with some spraying the walls inside the shopping centre and on the windows outside.
The group also reportedly blocked the tram tracks at Exchange Square. Pat Karney, the council's city centre spokesperson, said the group was made up of 'young people' who have caused disruption in the city centre at least 'three times'.
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He said the group travel from different areas across the north west to congregate outside the Arndale. He added that those involved in pushing the paramedic should be 'ashamed' and that there would be an urgent meeting between Greater Manchester Police and Manchester City Council about what happened.
Speaking of the paramedic, Coun Karney told the Manchester Evening News: "This person is one of Manchester's greatest assets. It's horrendous that people would attack a medical person, they should be ashamed of themselves."
He added: "It's young people who come from all over the north west and for some reason they chose the Arndale. This group are intimidating people as they're going about their business, they're blocking the trams, they're vandalising the Arndale.
"We've seen this group about three times now and we need to put our heads together with GMP to prevent it from happening. We will have an urgent meeting. People in Manchester city centre shouldn't have to deal with this disruption."
Yesterday, a man was detained on suspicion of causing damage and taken into custody. A dispersal order covering a huge part of the city centre was put in place by police, lasting until midnight last night.
Superintendent Nicola Williams said: "On occasion, we have problems with people coming into the city centre and engaging in anti-social behaviour and the police are taking decisive action to stop this.
"Members of the public who live, visit or come into the city to work should not have to witness this behaviour or be put at risk. Today, my officers have had bottles thrown at them and this is totally unacceptable.
"The Dispersal Order means we will serve anyone who is taking part in this disturbing behaviour, notice to leave our City and they won't be allowed to return for at least 48 hours."
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