Police guard for school pupils
Extra patrols after robbery
POLICE are protecting children as they leave a Manchester school after five pupils were robbed at gunpoint.
Extra patrols have been deployed at home time around the Co-operative Academy in Blackley.
As the Manchester Evening News reported earlier this week, up to seven thugs aged about 16 to 18 and armed with a handgun and machete stole mobile phones from the youngsters.
After the children had handed over their devices, the robbers beat them up anyway.
One 14-year-old boy was pistolwhipped about the head and needed hospital treatment. Three other boys were struck with the wooden end of the machete, one suffering a split nose.
The attack happened at about 3pm on Tuesday, when the group of pupils were making their way home from the school on Plant Hill Road, Blackley. They were assaulted on French Barn Lane.
The attackers, all wearing dark clothing and balaclavas, were six to seven Asian and white males in their mid to late teens.
The robbery has caused outrage among parents and local councillors and Blackley MP, Graham Stringer, have been assured by GMP additional police will be on the streets in the area.
The culprits are suspected of being involved in other incidents. In one, on Saturday, two boys were confronted by thugs armed with knives near the entrance to Boggart Hole Clough in Charlestown Road.
And in a robbery on Monday, which was similar to the Blackley one, two school children were mugged by armed men near Prestwich Clough.
In a memo to Blackley councillors GMP said: “Police have been in contact with staff at school and additional patrols have been deployed in the area at the relevant times as a direct response to this incident and the concerns that have been raised by the staff, parents and the local community.”
In a message to parents and local residents, Blackley councillor John Farrell, says: “Firstly, although it will make little difference to the young victims of the assaults/thefts and their families, it is important to remember that this sort of incident, happening in broad daylight, is very unusual.
“My colleague Councillor Shelley Lanchbury has spoken to GMP today, and there will be increased police patrols around local schools for the time being. GMP have also kept us updated. We understand they are in touch with all the victims and families, and a full investigation is underway. Shelley is also keeping in contact with the office of Graham Stringer MP.”
Superintendent Rebecca Boyce from the City of Manchester North District at Greater Manchester Police said: “We are currently investigating a series of robberies in Blackley.
“The safety of young people is a priority for Greater Manchester Police, and we understand the distressing nature of these reports.
“Concern is inevitable from parents, pupils, schools and local residents alike, and no one should be subject to such violence, and especially when leaving school.”