Hundreds of school children gather at Piccadilly Gardens prompting police presence

Hundreds of children descended on Piccadilly Gardens on Friday afternoon as schools shut for the summer, prompting a police presence in the area that included the Tactical Aid Unit.

Police were attempting to control the crowds and there was evidence on the ground of eggs having been thrown.

The mob of teenagers interrupted Metrolink service between Market Street and Piccadilly Gardens at one point, with all trams diverted via Exchange Square. All services resumed by 5pm.

Councillor Pat Karney tweeted: “Workers and shoppers trying to get home and faced with this madness. GMP officers have been provoked and triggered by groups of young kids.They are doing an outstanding job in bringing Piccadilly back to normal.”

By 6pm, the situation appeared calmer and crowd had moved towards the Piccadilly Gardens metro stop. Police were stationed around the perimeter of the gardens prohibiting people from walking through.

A section 35 dispersal order was in place in the city centre until 1pm on Saturday 22 July. Greater Manchester Police confirmed that no crimes were recorded and no one was injured, but that offence may be recorded retrospectively as the investigation continues.

Temp. Superintendent Muzemil Kernain of the Manchester City Centre District said, “We don’t underestimate the impact incidents of such large scale have on others trying to go about their daily business.

“In response to this occurrence, officers used their section 35 powers to put a dispersal notice in place for the City Centre, safely dispersing the youths gathering and returning the area to normality. This dispersal notice will remain in place until 1pm this afternoon (Saturday 22nd July 2023).

“An increased visible presence has continued into this morning to ensure no further incidents occurred and to provide additional reassurance.

“Unconnected to the group of youths, two adult males were arrested on suspicion of breaching the peace, in relation to the dispersal notice in place. They have since been released under investigation.

“Our City Centre neighbourhood team will continue to proactively police the area to keep people safe.”