Overview
- Greater Manchester Police reported a group of about 60 people in and around the Market Place on Saturday evening, with multiple reports of assaults and anti-social behaviour.
- Officers imposed a Section 34 dispersal order covering the town centre until about 2am on Sunday, which cleared the area.
- A large response, including riot-trained Tactical Aid Unit officers, police vehicles and paramedics, concentrated near the McDonald's on Knowsley Street.
- Two 16-year-old boys were arrested on suspicion of ABH and of a racially aggravated public order offence and violent disorder, linked to the initial incident.
- Police say both teenagers have been released on bail, no further arrests followed the dispersal, and a visible presence will remain to reassure the public.