Greater Manchester protests: GMP 'heavily resourced' ahead of rumoured rallies as Andy Burnham makes statement

According to the Press Association, police are understood to be preparing to respond to more than 100 planned protests and potentially around 30 more counter protests on Wednesday, with gatherings anticipated in 41 of the 43 police force areas in England and Wales.

It follows a list of locations being shared in chat groups and on social media as potential locations for rallies - including some in Greater Manchester. It comes after clashes with police in Manchester city centre on Saturday and Bolton on Sunday. The speculation about a repeat on Wednesday led to businesses across the region shutting up shop early.

In a lengthy statement to the public, GMP said: “We understand the uncertainty and worry that people are feeling about current tension, much of which is being fuelled by the widespread sharing of misinformation online which is sometimes being created with the purpose of creating fear and inciting intolerable hate.

“Our advice to communities is to remain calm and to try to go about your every-day life. GMP continues to monitor the intelligence to ensure we can respond effectively to any incidents of disorder. And, if we believe there needs to be specific information about anything emerging we will tell people and offer advice. 

“We are heavily resourced, and we have specialist officers and staff who are working around the clock to tackle these issues and ensure our communities are supported. We are speaking to community leaders and elected representatives regularly to make sure they are appraised of all planned protests known to GMP.  People living safely and peacefully, do not deserve to be frightened: we are here to protect you, and we will use all resources and capabilities to do so.

“Our message is clear: there is no place for hate in Greater Manchester. If you come here to willingly participate in disorder and crime, we will be at your door, ensuring you answer for your crimes. We will police without fear or favour and use all resources and powers available to ensure those involved in this disgraceful behaviour are dealt with robustly. This has been demonstrated with our relentless pursuit of offenders, many of whom have been arrested not only in Greater Manchester, but with the support of police colleagues across the UK and we have made crucial arrests in West Yorkshire and Lancashire.

“To date, we have made 26 arrests for a variety of offences including assault, violent disorder, possession of weapons, and 20 have been charged. There is work to be done, and we will not relent until we have systematically located and dealt with all those responsible. We ask that you remain vigilant. If you see something, or hear something, that does not feel right, report it to us so we can act.

“These are challenging times, but we are immensely proud to see the majority of our residents standing together and condemning this unacceptable disorder. Your unwavering support has not gone unnoticed.”

Mayor Andy Burnham said in a video message on social media: “Be assured, Greater Manchester Police has strong plans in place to deal with anything if it arises and I stress, if it arises. You know us, we are the kind of place that will always take the strongest of stances against Islamophobia or racism of any kind.

“There is a lot of dis-information out there, but don’t be intimidated by it. Look out for each other, check in on neighbours and friends and always, always stand together Greater Manchester.”

Bolton South and Walkden MP Yasmin Qureshi has also moved to reassure her constituents that plans are in place for any potential further disorder. 

“I understand there may be some protests planned in Bolton today. I'm in touch with GM Police who are prepared and have plans in place,” she said in a post on social media. “I urge residents to rise above any attempts at intimidation & thuggery. It is vital that communities do not respond by stooping to their level.”

The Labour MP also shut down suggestions that there had been incidents already across the Bolton area on Wednesday. Mis-information on social media has been blamed in part for the disorder seen since the murder of three young girls in Southport. 

“I also understand that there's WhatsApp messages circulating on an acid attack in the town centre and speculation on riots in the Rumworth area,” she said. “I spoke to the Superintendent at 12.40pm today and can assure you this is categorically NOT true. Please verify info before sharing.”

Mayor Andy Burnham’s night-time economy adviser Sacha Lord issued a defiant message ahead of any planned unrest - “We are all Manchester”. 

He said on social media: “I am sickened by what we have all witnessed on our streets over the past week. Racism, violence, targeted harassment, anti-social behaviour and the destruction of local businesses is no way to show you care about your community or your country. 

“Everyone who lives in Greater Manchester deserves to feel safe, yet I know many of your are feeling fearful, scared and upset about going out or going to work, especially tonight. Manchester sees you, we hear you and we stand with you. 

“GMP have significant resources in place and are ready to act swiftly towards anyone intent on carrying out hateful violence and abuse in our city-region.  We are proud to be a wonderfully multi-cultural region known for supporting each other and for helping each other. We are all Manchester and we will not let hate divide us.”

On Tuesday, city council leader Bev Craig had paid a visit to businesses impacted by Sunday’s rioting with Manchester Central MP Lucy Powell.

“Manchester has faced hardships before, but we have always come together as a city,” Lucy Powell said in a statement. “The dangerous extremism and racist attacks we’ve seen recently go against everything Manchester stands for. We are a city defined by our resilience and our solidarity.”

Cllr Craig issued her own statement saying the council was backing the police’s move to increase patrols in the wake of the rioting. She said: “Everyone has the right to feel safe in their community and we will continue to work with colleagues at GMP to monitor local concerns and make sure that Manchester remains a welcoming and safe place. As such, there will be an increased police presence in our neighbourhoods, and we want to be clear that officers are there primarily to provide visibility and reassurance.   

“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.”

Anyone with information that may help police can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.