Fireworks were reportedly launched at a police station and police van as cars were set alight and large groups of youths were 'joyriding' around in a day of chaos and disorder in Salford.
It is understood that members of the public first called emergency services with a number of reports of public disorder and antisocial behaviour in the Pendleton area on Tuesday morning (July 11).
Throughout the day, primarily in the Pendleton area, there were reports of 'around 20 to 30 people' on unauthorised motorbikes and groups of males wearing balaclavas.
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The Manchester Evening News understands that a group on motorbikes also launched fireworks at Swinton Police Station, on Chorley Road at around midday and that more fireworks were then hurled towards a police van at around 6pm.
Images also showed how a car that had gone up in flames after being set alight in Clarendon Park, off Churchill Way, at around 6.15pm on Tuesday, with further reports of a large group of males on bikes in a children's play area at around 8pm. It is understood a number of other cars were also left scorched in the local area and were recovered on Tuesday evening.
The MEN understands that some of the incidents may be linked to the funeral of teenager Saul Cookson that was held in Salford on Tuesday. He died, aged 15, after his e-bike was in a collision with an ambulance on Langworthy Road. He was being followed by police before the crash.
A witness told the M.E.N: "It’s been happening most of the day. Around 30ish youths all in black, riding bikes and cars, joyriding around the park and setting fire to stuff and shooting fireworks."
It is understood there have been no reported injuries in any of the incidents. Police have increased the presence of officers in the area with a number of patrols to 'reassure the community'.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: "Today (Tuesday 11 July 2023), Greater Manchester Police received reports of anti-social behaviour and anti-social vehicle usage in Pendleton, Salford.
"GMP officers have been responding and are patrolling the local area to help locate and bring those involved to justice and to provide reassurance to the local community.
Superintendent Caroline Hemingway of GMP added: “Our officers have been made aware of antisocial behaviour and anti-social vehicle usage in Clarendon Park and in the surrounding areas in Pendleton.
“In response we have dispatched extra officers to the local area to patrol the local community and surrounding areas to provide reassurance to the local community and to answer any questions the public may have.
“We would highly value any information that you may have regarding these incidents. Any information or video footage you have will help bring us one step closer to finding those responsible."
If you have any information, please contact 101 or 999 in an emergency. You can also report online using the ‘report’ tool onGMP's website www.gmp.police.uk. Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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