City centre dispersal order update as cops step up patrols following end of school term chaos

A police dispersal order has been in place all Saturday morning following the teenage carnage which ensued yesterday (July 21).

On Friday afternoon, ‘hundreds’ of teens gathered in Piccadilly Gardens to celebrate the last day of school — but the mood soured after some hurled eggs and milkshakes at police, with shops being shut and some arrests being made.

This morning, police confirmed that no crimes have been recorded in relation to the gathering, and no-one was injured. However, cops are said to be steadfast in their belief that the behaviour ‘cannot be tolerated’, and have warned ‘offences may be recorded retrospectively as officers continue to investigate the incident’.

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Part of the response has involved stationing more boots on the ground today, with a dispersal order in place until 1pm. Temporary Superintendent Muzemil Kernain from GMP’s City Centre District said: “We don’t underestimate the impact incidents of such large scale have on others trying to go about their daily business.

“In response to this occurrence, officers used their section 35 powers to put a dispersal notice in place for the City Centre, safely dispersing the youths gathering and returning the area to normality. This dispersal notice will remain in place until 1pm this afternoon (Saturday July 22, 2023).

“An increased visible presence has continued into this morning to ensure no further incidents occurred and to provide additional reassurance.”

Last night, cops said three people had been arrested in the chaos. Today, Supt Kernain explained two arrests were adult men: “Unconnected to the group of youths, two adult males were arrested on suspicion of