Planned unlicensed event - two arrested

Two men have been arrested after police executed a warrant in Manchester in connection with a planned unlicensed music event.  

Today (Friday), police executed a warrant at a residential property in the Moston area.

A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to cause a public nuisance and causing a public nuisance.

A 55-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to cause a public nuisance.

They remain in police custody for questioning.

Officers seized 29 speakers, nine mixers, three computers, five mobile phones and a significant amount of cash.

Inspector Wignall, of GMP’s City of Manchester district, said: “This warrant was executed as part of an investigation in to a party held at Broadhurst Fields, Moston in May and a planned unlicensed music event at Boggart Hole Clough in Blackley.

“I hope this action reassures members of the public that Greater Manchester Police is actively gathering intelligence and following lines of enquiry before taking the appropriate action to disrupt these kind of events before they commence.

“I would like to use this opportunity to thank those who’ve contacted us so far and appeal to anyone else with information about planned parties or other illegal music events to contact GMP online or via 101.”

Meanwhile, responding to a batch of much-publicised illegal raves and large gatherings in recent weeks, GMP has increased resourcing significantly.

A GMP statement read: "As well as planned raves, we have also seen a growing number of large gatherings and outdoor parties in recent weeks.

"Yesterday the total number of reports of large gatherings was 39, and the number of raves we have seen across Greater Manchester in the past few weeks is two, one in Carrington and the other in Oldham two weeks ago.

"There is a clear risk from attendance at any of these events or gatherings as there are no safety measures in place and we urge everyone to stay away.

"The risk of coronavirus is still present and attending events in large groups is in breach of Covid legislation.

"Social distancing guidelines still apply and large amounts of people stood closely together increases the risk to other members of the public.

"We all have individual responsibility for protecting ourselves and those around us.

"These events can also be really disruptive to those living nearby.

"In response to any reports we receive, officers will attend and assess these gatherings to consider any wider risks to the public.

"However, due to the large amount of resourcing needed to police these events, we are asking people not to attend any gatherings, so we can prioritise other critical incidents that require an emergency response.

"A large amount of police resource is pulled away from potentially more critical incidents by these gatherings so we urge you not to attend."

Last night (Thursday) a police officer was injured and five vehicles damaged as officers dispersed an illegal gathering in Manchester.

Reports were received at around 10pm of a gathering of around 150 people at a cul-de-sac on St Stephen’s Close in the Longsight area.

Officers successfully dispersed the group but were met with hostility in the process, which saw one officer injured and five vehicles damaged.

The officer thankfully didn’t require further treatment and the vehicles have been sent for repairs.

---

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.