Police stop-and-search powers stepped up after 'armed males' wreak havoc on estate

Stop-and-search powers have been stepped up in an area of Middleton after 'armed males' wreaked havoc on an estate.

Police were called to the Langley estate yesterday evening (March 21) to reports of a 'males with weapons in a vehicle'. The suspects were 'chasing people', officers said.

They were also chasing each other in two different vehicles and used weapons to 'cause damage'. Police said 'four male offenders are still outstanding'.

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A Section 60 order has now been put in place around the area until 10.45pm tonight. This means officers have powers to stop-and-search anyone on the estate.

Detective Chief Inspector Joanne Williams of GMP’s Rochdale District, said: "Although we have yet to make any arrests, our investigation is moving with haste. Additional resources have been on the Langley estate overnight and will continue to be in place into this evening.

"Officers will be engaging in high-visibility patrols across the area. Please do not be alarmed by seeing extra officers in your local area – they are there to support you.

"If you have any concerns or questions, they will be happy to provide reassurance and listen to any of your queries. We are trying to establish why this incident has happened, when we have an update to provide more of a comment, we will.

"We are appealing for anyone with information about this incident to make a report to police. This includes anyone who may have relevant footage including CCTV, mobile, Ring doorbell or dashcam.

"You can make a report by calling 101, quoting 2333 of 21/03/2024. Alternatively, you can make a report anonymously by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555