Night of chaos as ‘gang of 20 in balaclavas’ cause havoc on Salford Precinct

Police investigate assaults, thefts, fires and criminal damage

Around 20 youths wearing balaclavas sparked a night of pandemonium on Salford Precinct, targeting people and property. According to Greater Manchester Police, the gang dispersed immediately after officers got on location.

However, before they arrived, scenes of mayhem had occurred. Officers have reviewed ‘extensive’ CCTV footage from the area and think multiple criminal crimes occurred.
According to GMP, members of the public were beaten with stolen fire extinguishers from the precinct, and youngsters were spotted interfering with and jumping on vehicles. Items were also stolen from a grocery store and used as missiles to launch at buses, and bins were set on fire in the neighborhood.

Police discovered further stealing offenses and criminal damage to business signage on the clip. Despite the massive damage that occurred on the evening of Monday, January 27, only one call about the incident was received by GMP at 6.30pm, with the full scope of the mayhem only becoming apparent after police conducted CCTV investigations in the days following the incident.
In a statement issued this morning (February 13), GMP claims the ‘three major culprits’ from the evening have been identified. One was detained, while the other two were dealt with through voluntary interviews.
According to GMP, all three teenagers admitted to their offenses and were assigned to youth offending agencies for intervention. They have also been formally barred from the Salford Precinct.

A GMP Salford spokeswoman added, “Salford Central Team 3 has acted promptly to deal with these events and forward the criminal investigations. This direct intervention has resulted in a dramatic reduction in anti-social activity in and around Salford Precinct.

“However, it is evident that there is a severe shortage of reporting in the area. We invite households and the community to please report all occurrences of anti-social activity to GMP via the following methods: 101/GMP Online Report. All reports can be sent completely anonymously.

“There is no necessity to provide any personal information, and all information provided will be kept strictly confidential. You can also contact your local Neighbourhood Police Sergeant for Pendleton and Charlestown, PS 13490 Atherton, via email at 13490@gmp.police.uk.