Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), has issued a statement on behalf of the leaders of Greater Manchester, concerning the recent demonstrations across the GM region.
Yesterday saw shops and businesses close early across parts of Salford, due to safety concerns for both staff and customers, following reports on social media that a protest had been arranged at Salford Shopping City, fortunately the protest failed to materialise and so police stood down their operation in the area, whilst keeping a vigilant watch.
A number of arrests have been made across the region with many facing time in prison for their part in the protests.
Police vow to arrest anyone who is found to be using social media to incite people to commit acts of violence.
There has been widespread unrest across the country following the horrific killing of three young girls in Southport, with police and protestors already involved in violent scuffles in Manchester and Bolton, during which a number of officers were injured and 28 people were arrested.
The statement reads:
“We thank the officers and staff of Greater Manchester Police for all the work they are doing to protect our city-region. They have faced an exceptionally challenging situation and met it with bravery and professionalism. We thank them for their swift action to keep our residents and businesses safe and the proactive approach they are taking.
“While some bad actors have stoked tension on social media, decent people across Greater Manchester have been working quietly on the ground to calm things down. We are grateful to them and to all the public servants who’ve been working around the clock.
“We are proud of the way Greater Manchester has once again pulled together to keep our communities safe. Only by continuing to work together can we defeat those who want to divide us. Those who broke the law will be pursued, and they will be brought to justice. As Greater Manchester Leaders, we speak in one voice when we say that there will never be a place for hatred or violence here.”
The statement was signed by Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, Kate Green, Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester, City Mayor Paul Dennett, Salford City Council, Cllr Bev Craig, Manchester City Council, Cllr Nick Peel, Bolton Council, Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, Bury Council, Cllr Arooj Shah, Oldham Council, Cllr Neil Emmott, Rochdale Council, Cllr Mark Hunter, Stockport Council, Cllr Gerald Cooney, Tameside Council, Cllr Tom Ross, Trafford Council, Cllr David Molyneux, Wigan Council
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