Police have issued another 24-hour order to increase stop and search powers following two violent episodes reportedly linked to gangs. A Section 60 order for parts of north Manchester is now in force until 4.15pm on Friday, March 17.
It follows fight involving six males on Tavistock Square, in Harpurhey, on Wednesday. It's believed a number of the men were armed with machetes.
Greater Manchester Police believes that brawl was linked to Sunday's incident outside The Vine, on Glendower Drive, Collyhurst. A man received serious injuries from a large knife following a disturbance outside the pub, while a firearm was also discharged.
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Two men, aged 57 and 37, were arrested on suspicion of affray following Sunday's incident. The Section 60 order covers parts of Harpurhey and Collyhurst, including the Monsall and Irk Valley estates, as seen in the map below.
A GMP spokesperson said: "Stop and search powers have been extended in the Hapurhey area. GMP have extended these powers for an additional 24 hours from 4.15pm today (Thursday, March 16).
"These temporary powers will allow police to stop and search individuals to prevent serious violence, find weapons or apprehend those carrying weapons. Extra patrols have been deployed to the area to reassure the community and prevent any further incidents."
This morning, two north Manchester pubs were banned from serving punters following Sunday's incident. Manchester City Council temporarily suspended the licences of both The Vine and The Queens Hotel, on Sedgeford Road, Harpurhey, until a full review on April 6.
GMP told the council Sunday's episode was a 'serious incident of violence' that was 'linked to organised crime groups'. A report from police added that it is 'believed that the persons involved in this serious incident are connected to the Queens Hotel'.
Following the hearing, Harpurhey councillor Pat Karney said: "There is real fear and anxiety in the area. Even on Monday, law-abiding residents couldn’t actually leave the estate to go about their everyday lives.
"I was brought up on that estate and I have met lots of lovely people who were shocked and horrified by what happened. I will be talking to residents on the Irk Valley and Monsall estates and we will see what the public want to do about this problem."
Residents are being urged to report any information about criminal activity to GMP by calling 101 or using the Live Chat function on the force's website. Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.
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