Three teenagers arrested after disturbance and reports of 'young people fighting' outside school

Three teenagers have been arrested following a "disturbance" outside a school.

Police have introduced stop and search powers in two neighbourhoods following reports of "young people fighting" in Brierley Avenue, Failsworth, at about 3pm on Friday (March 8). Two boys, aged 15 and 16, were arrested on suspicion of affray and possession of a bladed article. Both have since been bailed.

Following the incident, Greater Manchester Police has enforced section 60 powers in parts of Failsworth and Limeside, in Oldham. The measure, which gives officers temporary extended powers to stop and search individuals within the areas covered, came into force last night and lasts until 7.30pm on Sunday.

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A total of 24 people have been stop-searched since last night, GMP said. A third boy, aged 15, was arrested this morning on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and affray. He remains in custody.

Chief Inspector Abi Cronin, from GMP’s Oldham district, said: “Since the Section 60 was authorised last night, we have stop-searched 24 people and provided an increased presence in the Failsworth and Limeside areas. This was in response to reports of young people fighting on Friday – keeping our community safe is our number one priority and we will continue to regularly patrol the areas over the weekend.

“If you have any concerns, please do speak to an officer, as they will be able to provide you with reassurance and assistance with any queries you may have. If you wish to report anything, you can do so by calling 101, visiting gmp.police.uk, or calling the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”