Brawl teenagers arrested
TWELVE teenagers have been arrested after a mass brawl in Piccadilly Gardens involving baseball bats, bars and knives.
Police said one person, in his teens, was taken to hospital with stab wounds. His injuries are not serious and he has since been released from hospital.
The violence unfolded in front of shoppers and workers in the Piccadilly Gardens area on Tuesday afternoon.
Officers received ‘multiple reports’ of a man being chased by a group of men on Aytoun Street, as well as people fighting with weapons.
The incident prompted a major response from Greater Manchester Police and British Transport Police.
It is understood police are treating the incident as a dispute between ‘rival criminal gangs.’
The Manchester Evening News saw two groups of people in handcuffs being loaded into separate police vans at the corner of Piccadilly Gardens and Oldham Street at around 6.30pm.
In a statement, GMP said 12 teenagers were arrested.
The force said five suspects aged 16-years-old were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder; two aged 17 detained on the same charge; and two 17-yearolds on suspicion of violent disorder and possession of a bladed article.
A 17-year-old was arrested on suspicion of drug offences and violent disorder; an 18-year-old on suspicion of violent disorder; and a 19-year-old on suspicion of affray.
Police said 11 of the suspects were released under investigation, while one was still being questioned. Enquiries are ongoing, the statement added.
Inspector Jon Middleton said: “Thanks to the quick actions of our officers we have arrested twelve people in connection with this incident.
“I know it will be concerning to the public but I want to reassure people that we are increasing patrols in the area and we will be doing everything we can to find those responsible.
“Despite twelve arrests, this investigation is very much ongoing and I would ask anyone with information to get in touch with police as soon as you can.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.