Police have increased their powers in a section of Greater Manchester after 'multiple incidents of violent disorder'.
GMP made 15 arrests on Tuesday night following the reports of serious incidents in the St George's area of Manchester. Officers were called at around 10pm and found a "large number of youths with weapons". Alongside the arrests, GMP seized seven knives and drugs.
Throughout Wednesday, GMP say they have been conducting over '16 hours of searches' in the area and have tonight imposed a Section 60 order across parts of south Manchester and Old Trafford, which will remain in place until 8.31pm on Thursday night. It means police can stop and search anyone in the area in the designated area, highlighted in the map below.
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Detective Superintendent Muzemil Kernain, of GMP's City Centre district, said: "We have seen a rise in violence in the vicinity and feel it is absolutely necessary and proportionate to implement this measure to enable us to keep our communities safe.
"Although we believe the incidents we have seen in the area are targeted and there is no wider threat to the public, this measure will be in place to ensure our community are kept safe from harm.
"The decision to implement a Section 60 power is not a choice we take lightly, and I hope that by enforcing these preventative measures it will showcase our commitment to tackling serious and violent crime, which has no place in our community.
"I would encourage anyone who sees anything suspicious or has any information that could assist us to come forward and speak with police. Please either speak to police on the street or call us on 101 or 999 in an emergency."
14 juveniles were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder, and another juvenile was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly, police said today.
Reports can also be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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