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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Alexandra Rucki

Police want to speak to these 26 people over violence when Tommy Robinson visited Oldham

These are the 26 people police want to speak to after violence erupted during a Tommy Robinson rally in Oldham.

Police cars were smashed, bricks were thrown and fireworks were launched into crowds during the event held by the English Defence League founder on Saturday, May 18, this year.

The activist, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was in Limeside during his campaign to represent the North West as an MEP.

A 'counter demonstration' by a group named the Muslim Defence League also took place at the same time of the event.

Scores of officers were seen armed with shield and batons in response to separate both sides as tensions flared on the residential street of Seventh Avenue.

Click or swipe below: The 26 people police want to speak to in connection with violence when Tommy Robinson came to Oldham

This morning Greater Manchester Police raided 14 properties in Oldham, Crumpsall and one in West Yorkshire linked to the disturbance.

Officers have arrested 13 men, aged between 15 and 40, on suspicion of violent disorder.

All remain in custody for questioning.

Thirteen men remain in custody on suspicion of violent disorder. (GMP)

Chief Superintendent Neil Evans, of GMP’s Territorial Commander with responsibility for Oldham said: “As the scale of this morning’s operation demonstrates, we continue to treat May’s disturbance with the utmost seriousness.

“We have been in liaison with the Crown Prosecution Service since the early stages of the investigation and a team of detectives has been working to identify those whose criminal behaviour resulted in the ugly scenes witnessed.

“Investigators have been working alongside key local partners as part of our extensive enquiries. Specialist detectives from our Major Investigations Team as well as local officers have been involved in hours of work assessing evidence and information received from the public.

“While we have made a number of arrests, our enquiries remain very much ongoing.

Police raids took place this morning linked to the violent disturbance in Oldham, on May 18, 2019. (GMP)

“In conjunction with this morning’s positive action, we have released a number of images of people who we want to speak to concerning their actions on 18 May 2019.

Watch: Tommy Robinson supporters and protesters clash in Oldham

Tommy Robinson supporters and protesters clash in Oldham

“As we have previously said, we understand and respect the right to peaceful protest and counter-protest. However we will not tolerate it when this crosses into criminal behaviour.

“Accordingly, we can and will respond when that line is crossed.

Raids took place in Oldham, Crumpsall and West Yorkshire (GMP)

“It remains a line of enquiry that a number of those who were involved with the disorder had travelled to Oldham from outside Greater Manchester.

“As such, we are continuing to liaise with our partners in neighbouring forces.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank those who have already been in touch with officers.

“We must continue to work together as a community and support the justice process so that criminal behaviour is appropriately and proportionately challenged.”

Information can be left with police on 0161 856 6551 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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