Officers have been given extra powers to break up and dispel unruly groups after a night of mayhem in one area of Stockport. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) say they were called to Brinnington several times last night (Wednesday, June 26) due to 'gangs of youths' causing a nuisance.
They say gel pellets were fired at members of the public and at vehicles with one seeing its windows damaged. Other police forces have previously issued warnings over gel guns, which fire pellets containing gel or water, and are sold as toys.
It has been claimed they can be mistaken for real firearms and can cause injury if used 'recklessly.' GMP said there were also reports of a 'disturbance' in the street during the night of chaos.
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They have now issued a dispersal order covering the area for 48 hours. They provide the police with the extra powers to break up groups of two or more people, where they believe their behaviour is causing a nuisance, harassment or distress.
A dispersal zone also allows police to direct a person committing or likely to commit anti-social behaviour to leave an area for 48 hours.
Inspector John Picton, of GMP's Stockport Central Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "Greater Manchester Police received numerous calls relating to incidents of anti-social behaviour in Brinnington on Monday.
"Members of the public reported youths firing gel pellets at pedestrians and vehicles. One vehicle sustained damage to its windows and there were reports of a disturbance in the street.
"Police responded immediately and attended the area. Enquiries, including reviewing CCTV, are ongoing to identify those involved and there will be an increased police presence in the area with high-visibility patrols this evening.
"GMP has taken positive action and there will be a dispersal order in place for the whole of Brinnington until 6:40pm on Wednesday 28 June.
"This kind of behaviour simply won't be tolerated and we will act decisively to put a stop to it.
"Anyone with information about a crime or who has concerns should contact police by using the LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk or calling 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 in an emergency."
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