Testing the tactics to tackle disorder

Police face a club-wielding “rioter” during the public order training session

POLICE, fire and ambulance crews have tackled rioters, attended a crashed car and released a trapped victim this week - and no one has been hurt.

The incidents came as part of a joint emergency services training exercise at Manchester Central Fire Station. Assistant Chief Constable John O’Hare said: “It’s essential our officers are trained to the highest standards to prepare them for the challenge of policing serious disorder.

“Training must reflect reality and we are using this programme of events to really test our tactics, equipment and capability.”

The training began with firefighters and ambulance crews at a traffic collision, before police officers in riot gear were called to the scene.

They were confronted by rioters who threw petrol bombs and bricks as officers tried to control things and rescue someone trapped in the car.

Mark O’Brien, GMFRS’ head of operational training, said: “Our firefighters train every day and over recent years we have done more and more training with our partners, including police and ambulance services. It’s important we make the training as realistic as possible.”