Police in hospital after yobs riot at shopping centre
A RIOT outside a shopping centre led to two police officers being hospitalised – with one suffering a broken ankle.
Police responded to reports a large number of youths were smashing lights and throwing bottles at Ellesmere Shopping Centre in Walkden, Salford.
Greater Manchester Police say officers were ‘confronted’ by the gang as they tried to detain a teenager in the car park near Tesco on Monday night.
A 14-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of assaulting two police officers and criminal damage.
Two officers were taken to hospital – one with a broken ankle and another with a back injury.
Police have now stepped up patrols and say they will be moving on any youths found congregating in the area.
Supt Howard Millington, of GMP Salford, said: “It is absolutely disgraceful that two of our hard-working officers have been injured when they were simply doing their job.
“This incident shows how committed our officers are to protecting the people of Salford and the injuries they have suffered are completely unacceptable. “We will do everything we can to bring the people responsible to justice and we are following a number of lines of enquiry to identify all those involved. “We have also increased patrols in the area and are using our powers to try and prevent any further incidents from happening. “This targeted approach means any youths found congregating in the area will be moved on by our officers and we will continue to use these powers over the next coming days to specifically identify any individuals causing issues. “If you were part of the crowd, or know something that could help with our investigation, please do the right thing and contact police at the earliest possible opportunity. “We know a lot of the disorder was filmed on phones and is likely to be shared around. “If you have any footage or are aware of any then please make police aware immediately.” The officer with the broken ankle remained in hospital awaiting surgery, while the officer who suffered a back injury was treated and discharged. Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting incident number 2069 of 19/02/18, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. Supt Howard Millington