Furious campaigners have spoken about their 'rage' at a letter sent to around 50 people banning them from the Manchester Caribbean Carnival. GMP's Xcaliber task force, an anti-gang unit, is understood to have sent the letters out recently to residents for the popular community event returning next month.
The letters, seen by the Manchester Evening News, state that the carnival, which takes place in Alexandra Park, off Princess Road on August 14 and 15, is a 'community event aimed at families and children' and that there will be a police presence to 'ensure a safe and pleasant atmosphere exists'. They go on to say: "The organisers have stated that no person who is either a member of a street gang, affiliated to a street gang, perceived by others to be associated to a street gang and/or suspected to be involved in criminal activity will be allowed entry."
These letters were targeted and sent to individuals on a 'case by case basis', police said. The letter adds: "This letter has been issued to YOU, based on an individual basis, as it is believed that YOU are either: A member of a street gang, affiliated to a street gang, perceived by others to be associated to a street gang, involved in criminal activity, or arrested at the festival 2019/2020/2021, involved or linked to serious youth violence."
