Police Face Allegations of Excessive Force in Market Dispersal

Law enforcement personnel are facing accusations of employing “heavy-handed” tactics following an incident where numerous groups of children and adolescents were prevented from visiting a city’s Christmas market and reportedly “forced” to re-board trains. Online video recordings depicted young individuals shouting as they were directed through Manchester Victoria on Saturday, subsequent to encountering a significant contingent of Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officers. The Traveller Movement, an equality organization, characterized the event as “shocking,” stating that it involved children from the traveller community and was “completely unacceptable.” GMP stated that the force’s primary objective was “always to protect public safety by preventing incidents of violence and disorder.” Authorities implemented a 48-hour dispersal order commencing around 12:15 GMT on Saturday, prompted by reports of anti-social behaviour occurring on trains and within the city. According to The Traveller Movement, officers had “blocked Romani Gypsies and Irish Traveller children from attending the Christmas markets.” A spokesman further stated, “This heavy-handed and discriminatory action has left children upset and distressed, with parents deeply concerned about the treatment that their children have faced.” He commented: “We have been contacted by numerous parents and received video footage of Romani Gypsy and Irish Traveller children arriving into Manchester, and then being forced on to a different train and prevented from leaving the station by police. “These children were simply trying to enjoy the festivities like everyone else, but instead have been unfairly targeted and marginalised.” Kate Green, Greater Manchester’s deputy mayor, has requested an investigation into the circulating video footage. She remarked: “I have watched the videos circulating on social media with concern and have asked GMP for a full report on the action taken.” She continued: “While we will not tolerate lawlessness and anti-social behaviour in Greater Manchester, I want to reassure the community that I expect the police to treat everyone fairly and with respect and I will be inviting community leaders to meet me to discuss what has happened.” Assistant Chief Constable Rick Jackson indicated that the force had received “intelligence” concerning anti-social behaviour by groups traveling on trains into Manchester and comparable reports from the city centre, leading to the issuance of a dispersal order. He stated, “This included plans for officers to re-route arriving groups back home.” “Our priority is always to protect public safety by preventing incidents of violence and disorder.” He added that soon after, officers addressed multiple disturbances in the city centre and intervened in confrontations among groups. Mr Jackson commented, “We understand there are feelings of mistreatment and confusion amongst groups of people for being turned away yesterday.” “We are determined to address these concerns by working closely with the mayor’s office to engage these communities in Manchester and further afield.” Audiences can listen to top content from BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and connect with BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Additionally, story suggestions may be sent to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk and through Whatsapp at 0808 100 2230. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the material found on external websites. Information regarding its policy on external linking is available.