Children hurt as mob storms cycling event
POLICE SLAM ‘APPALLING ACT OF VIOLENCE’ AS BEER KEGS AND BOTTLES ARE THROWN
CHILDREN were among the injured when a 30-strong violent mob stormed a family event in Ashton celebrating cycling in an African country.
Around 60 people were taking part in the first Eritrean Cycle Festival at the Curzon Ashton football stadium complex on Saturday afternoon.
Ex-pat former professional cyclists from the east-African country and Eritrean cycling fans from all over northern Europe were enjoying the event, which was using the Tameside Cycle Track.
But dozens of men, believed to be opponents of the Eritrean government, stormed the event, attacking people and throwing food, beer bottles and kegs.
Organisers say the men believed the event was connected to the regime in Eritrea, but they insist the festival- which had to be abandoned - had nothing to do with the country’s government.
Police arrested eight men and condemned the behaviour as ‘completely unacceptable.’
Paramedics say they treated 12 people at the scene, including some children. One woman was taken to Tameside District General Hospital for treatment.
Abel Goitom, 38, who travelled from London for the event and had helped with the organisation, said: “They were outside protesting and then they came in, throwing things and throwing bottles and food.
“They were against the government but this has nothing to do with the government.
“They started breaking things. It was mad. We told them this was a cycling festival. People had to defend themselves. They tried to break a window but it was too strong.”
Videographer Dawit Gebreyesus was left covered in blood after being hit in the face by a flying object.
He said the protesters were not concerned that there were many young children at the event.
“They started picking up beer barrels and throwing them,” he said. “There were children and mothers around.
“They were young people, they climbed over and started hitting people. This was a proper gang, in the middle of a city.”
Chief Inspector Andy Harty said: “The vast majority of people attending the event were innocent people, including children, who sadly got caught in the middle of this appalling act of violence.
“Following the fast work of officers, a number of men were arrested at the scene and we will continue to question them as this investigation progresses.
“However, we are still in the very early stages of enquiries and we are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed this incident.
“In particular, we would like people to come forward with phone or dash-cam footage that could be vital to finding all those responsible.
“This type of behaviour is completely unacceptable and I want to assure the residents of Tameside that we are doing everything we can to bring any offenders to justice.”
Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 quoting incident number 1417 of 16th June 2018.