Officers release images after Metrolink tram is damaged

Do you recognise any of these men?

Officers investigating damage caused to a Metrolink tram have released images of two men they would like to speak to in connection with the incident.

At around 10pm on Friday, June 18, 2021, a Metrolink tram was boarded at Event City by large groups of people.

During the journey to Manchester city centre, substantial damage was caused to the roof of the tram carriages, resulting in the tram needing to be taken off line for repairs, subsequently causing disruption to the Metrolink service capacity across Greater Manchester.

Enquiries are ongoing and officers have released images of two people they would like to speak to in connection with the damage caused on that Friday.

Inspector Steve Henderson, of GMP's Transport Unit, said: "This incident occurred following the England v Scotland Euros match screening and we appreciate that fans will want to celebrate, but it is worth stressing that any such celebrations should be done so safely and responsibly.

"The damage caused to the trams is unacceptable and has caused significant disruption to the travelling public as well as financial implication for TfGM.

"We've released these images of two men we would like to speak to in connection with the incident and we're appealing to anyone who may have information that could assist officers in identifying these men to get in touch with police as soon as possible.

"Alternatively, if anyone was aboard the tram at the time or has information that could assist our investigation please don't hesitate to contact us."

Since the beginning of the Euros, 13 Metrolink trams have been damaged, causing repair costs of around £19,500.

Officers are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed or has information relating to damage caused to trams to get in touch with police.

TfGM’s Head of Metrolink, Danny Vaughan, said: “I understand that sometimes emotions run high, but the behaviour we have seen after recent screenings of football matches is completely unacceptable.

“We want England to do well, and I’m hoping they have three more games left to play in this tournament, but if further vandalism occurs we may be forced to stop supporting these events – otherwise we’ll be left with too few trams to operate the network.

“My warning to those involved and anyone planning to go to future screenings, is that all our stops and vehicles have CCTV, and we are working closely with the police in response to these incidents.”

Anyone with information in relation to the men in the images or damage caused to Metrolink trams should contact police on 0161 856 0855 or email: transport.unit@gmp.police.uk

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