Police issue urgent letter to businesses in Greater Manchester over further potential disorder

Police have issued an urgent letter to concerned businesses across Greater Manchester ahead of further possible scenes of disorder on the streets.

Businesses across the UK have been targeted by groups attending a number of protests in recent days, following a knife attack which killed three schoolgirls in Southport on July 29.

Scenes of disorder and unrest have also erupted on the streets, including in Bolton, Newton Heath and Manchester city centre. A dozen thugs have already pleaded guilty to offences following the incidents.

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In a note by Chief Superintendent Chris Foster, business owners have been told that police are 'regularly reviewing intelligence' to ensure they have 'robust plans in place' and 'resources to police events safely and respond do disorder swiftly.'

The letter read: "Greater Manchester Police (GMP) is aware and well prepared for protests taking place this week, amidst the rising tensions across the country following tragic events in Southport.

"We understand your concerns about the potential impact on businesses and can assure you the force is continuing to regularly review the intelligence picture, to ensure we have robust plans in place and resources to police events safely and respond to any incidents of disorder swiftly.

"Our priority is to ensure public safety and we will continue to police events in such a way as to protect shops and business premises, and ensure that people can continue to go about their lives with minimal disruption.

"Last weekend (3-4 August), our dedicated policing operation oversaw several protests across Greater Manchester. In total 28 arrests were made for public order offences, violent disorder, and