A stop and search order has been put in force for a large section of Rochdale after reports of antisocial behaviour involving more than 100 youths. Following the break-up of this a bag containing weapons including a machete, axa, hammer, and a knife were discovered.
This came after police responded to two reports of around 100 youths in Broadfield Park, Rochdale, around 5pm on Thursday (February 9) and again around 2pm on Sunday (February 12). The large group had to be dispersed by officers from Greater Manchester Police's Specialist Operations Unit and officers from Rochdale district.
It was following a search of the area once the group were dispersed where the bag of weapons were found, police say. A Section 60 stop and search order has now been put in place for a large section of Rochdale lasting until 10.30pm tonight (February 17), with the potential to be extended further.
READ MORE: Man rescued from roof of house by firefighters after blaze breaks out
The area is bounded by Heywood town centre in the west (Manchester/Middleton Road and Queens Park Road), Bury Road to the north and the M62 to the south. It stretches as far east as Rochdale Road/Elizabethan Way in Milnrow.
Inspector John Cesarz of GMP’s Rochdale district said: “From our investigation so far, we understand that a lot of those involved were young and could have easily been drawn in by what was going on, but please be assured that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated in our communities.
“These measures have been put in place to prevent any further violence and keep the public safe from harm. This kind of behaviour will not be tolerated and needs to be stopped before someone is seriously hurt.
“We have planned extra police resources to provide visible reassurance over this weekend to members of the community, alongside extra patrols from our partner agencies.
"If you or anyone you know may have seen anything that could help with our enquiries or have CCTV or Dash Cam footage of the area at the time, please get in touch with police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111."
For more of today's top stories click here.
READ NEXT:
