McFlurry of FISTS! Moment police are attacked during mass brawl ‘involving ‘100 teenagers’

This is the shocking moment police came under attack in Manchester as officers dealt with a brawl involving around 100 school children. 

Fighting broke out in Piccadilly Gardens at 5pm on Friday, as thousands of workers began their commute home.

According to police, ‘missiles’ were thrown at them and ‘some police equipment has been damaged beyond repair.’

Greater Manchester Police said a 16-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of affray and released under investigation. 

Police also said CCTV will be closely reviewed to identify all those involved in the fighting and hold them ‘accountable’.

Fighting broke out in Piccadilly Gardens at 5pm on Friday, as thousands of workers began their commute home

Superintendent Helen Critchley said yesterday: ‘I acknowledge that a lot of those involved last night are young, and may have been easily swept up in what was happening.

‘However due to the disruption caused, we will be working to identify all those involved using CCTV as well as officer’s body worn video footage, and hold them accountable. 

‘It’s worth noting that a number of those involved were wearing school uniform at the time.’ 

After the mass fight, there were no reports of any injuries, A dispersal order was put in place around Piccadilly Gardens which will remain in force until tonight.

As a result of the order, constables and police community support officers are able to disperse crowds and individuals from an area in a bid to prevent public nuisance.   

Troublemakers can be asked to leave by officers and not come back to the area which is covered by the order.   

After the mass fight, there were no reports of any injuries, A dispersal order was put in place around Piccadilly Gardens which will remain in force until tonight

In a statement, GMP said: ‘Police were called to Piccadilly Gardens at 5pm last night, Friday, to reports of a disturbance, involving a large number of young people. ‘Officers attended, and found that a group of around 100 young people, mostly school children, were involved in fighting. 

‘During the incident, a number of missiles were thrown at officers, and some police equipment has been damaged beyond repair. ‘A 16-year-old was arrested on suspicion of affray and has been released under investigation.’ 

Supt Critchley added: ‘This kind of anti-social behaviour, which caused a huge amount of disruption for members of the public trying to get home on a Friday, as well as businesses, will not be tolerated. 

‘If you or anyone you know may have seen anything that could help with our enquiries, or have CCTV or dash-cam footage of the area at the time, please get in touch with police.’ 

Quote log number 2054 of 14/01/22 either via LiveChat on GMP’s website, 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.