'Walk Away' campaign launched in bid to de-escalate situations while on nights out

Collectively, everyone can help keep Greater Manchester’s thriving night time economy safe for all to enjoy

A campaign has been launched intent on educating and empowering men to ‘Walk Away’ from escalating situations whilst on nights out, which could lead to violence, or in extreme cases, death.

In the last five years in Greater Manchester, nine men have lost their lives from a single punch or shove.

In the same time frame, there have been 92 cases of grievous bodily harm where a single punch has caused serious, but thankfully survivable, injuries.

All these incidents, and the damage they caused to the victims and their loved ones, were totally avoidable.

In a special video, which can be viewed here, Greater Manchester Police Detective Superintendent Chris Bridge speaks about what the campaign is trying to achieve.

GMP, the Violence Reduction Unit, and partners, such as licensing teams, are supporting the campaign as part of the ongoing commitment to tackling serious violence and reducing homicide across the region.

The campaign has also been endorsed locally by Sacha Lord, Greater Manchester’s Night Time Economy Advisor.

The public can expect stepped up visible and plain clothed patrols across the next few weeks in hotspot areas, as pubs, bars and clubs see increased numbers of patrons enjoying the festivities, and then bringing in the new year.

Collectively, everyone can help keep Greater Manchester’s thriving night time economy safe for all to enjoy.

For more information on the campaign, visit the dedicated website here

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.