29.3 C
Manchester
Saturday, July 12, 2025
NewsCouncil leader calls for compassion following weekend protests

Council leader calls for compassion following weekend protests

Manchester City Council’s leader has called for compassion, understanding and solidarity following protests in Manchester and across the country this weekend.

Many businesses and shops were targeted and damaged in the city centre, following misinformation spread about the person behind the stabbings of three young girls in Southport last week.

Officers made five arrests on Saturday and a further fourteen arrests on Sunday in relation to offences for being drunk and disorderly, possession of a weapon, assault, criminal damage, and violent disorder.

One bartender in the city centre told Business Manchester, “It was horrendous. We had to close the pub three times yesterday because of the unrest. We locked the customers inside to keep them safe.”

Councillor Bev Craig (pictured) said: “Following a weekend that saw a number of serious incidents of unrest in towns and cities across the country, we know that our communities will be feeling understandably anxious and uneasy. We would like to reassure our residents that we will not tolerate disorder in our streets.

“Manchester’s diversity is our strength, and it is now more important than ever that we support one another with compassion, understanding and solidarity.

“I am deeply conscious that some of our communities, especially minority communities, are anxious about discrimination, abuse, anti-Muslim sentiment and racism – much of which is playing out on social media, alongside misinformation and other forms of hate.”

She said the council would continue to work alongside Greater Manchester Police to ensure Manchester remains a welcoming and safe place. There would be an increased police presence in neighbourhoods, she said.

Craig added: “There is no justification for criminal behaviour and the actions of the perpetrators undermine everything that Manchester stands for.

“We are proud to be a vibrant, tolerant and accepting place – and we know there is more that unites us than divides us. Now is the time we come together to show what this means.

“There is no place for hate in our city.”

Stephen Watson, chief constable of Greater Manchester Police said: “I want to thank the vast majority of law-abiding citizens of Greater Manchester who either stayed away from events over the weekend, or who took part by sharing their views in a way that did not break the law, but which upheld our democratic right to peaceful protest. However, it was clear that across all events, there were people of all political and cultural backgrounds who attended with the intent of causing trouble and breaking the law.

“There are consequences for inciting hate and causing damage, and those who have broken the law will be held accountable for their actions. Where arrests have been made, charges have been quickly sought and some offenders have already appeared before the courts and we expect to make further arrests. We have gathered extensive video evidence, collected testimonies, and our intelligence teams are working vigorously with support from the full force to identify further criminal behaviour and locate those responsible. Justice will be forthwith.”

Helen Greaney
Helen Greaney
I'm a journalist with more than 18 years' experience on local, regional and national newspapers, as well as PR and digital marketing. Crime and the courts is my specialist area but I'm also keen to hear your stories concerning Manchester and the greater North West region.
Latest

Your Help Hub Extends Handyman Services Nationwide Amid Surging UK Demand

Your Help Hub, a fast-growing name in home maintenance and improvement, has launched its handyman services nationwide to better serve the needs of customers...

Reliable auto locksmith services in Manchester: Everything you need to know

Car keys are essential to our daily lives, yet they are more vulnerable than we might think. In the lively city of Manchester, where...

Hillbrush Debuts Tornado Broom Range for Tough Outdoor Cleaning Environments

Hillbrush has launched its innovative Hillbrush Tornado Range — a robust, modular broom system designed to raise the bar for strength, reliability, and outdoor...

Blaugranagram Partners with 101 Great Goals to Deliver Deeper Fan-Focused Football Content

101 Great Goals has officially entered into a strategic content partnership with Blaugranagram, aiming to enrich the football experience for fans by combining their...
Subscribe to our newsletter
Business Manchester will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.
Don't miss

Reliable auto locksmith services in Manchester: Everything you need to know

Car keys are essential to our daily lives, yet they are more vulnerable than we might think. In the lively city of Manchester, where...

Hillbrush Debuts Tornado Broom Range for Tough Outdoor Cleaning Environments

Hillbrush has launched its innovative Hillbrush Tornado Range — a robust, modular broom system designed to raise the bar for strength, reliability, and outdoor...

Your Help Hub Extends Handyman Services Nationwide Amid Surging UK Demand

Your Help Hub, a fast-growing name in home maintenance and improvement, has launched its handyman services nationwide to better serve the needs of customers...

More News

Heroin and cocaine dealers sentenced in Oldham

Five men have been jailed for their role in a drug line operating in Chadderton which was worth hundreds of thousands of pounds. Manchester Crown...

Van driver drove up to 100mph on wrong side of M60

A driver who reached speeds of up to 100mph and drive the wrong way down the motorway, has been arrested. At 7.45pm on Tuesday, police...

Six-year-old girl killed in Rochdale collision

Police are appealing for information after a child died following a collision in Rochdale last night. At around 5.35pm, a Range Rover was travelling westbound...