Far right ruled out in mass-brawl inquiry
Reporter: Lewis Jones
Date published: 02 February 2012
OLDHAM Police chief Tim Forber has spoken out in a bid to quash rumours surrounding racial tension in Chadderton on Saturday.
The head of Oldham police has ruled out involvement of far-right groups in the clash between two groups in Block Lane.
He said: “We have been made aware of rumours in the local area that the gathering at the pub was connected with the English Defence League.
“Our investigations so far emphatically confirm that was not the case.”
Piles of glass yesterday surrounded the Hare and Hounds pub, outside which an altercation between drinkers and a group of passing Asian men spiralled out of control.
A 21st birthday party was being held in the pub on Saturday evening, with a group of partygoers leaving the pub to smoke outside.
Verbal abuse was exchanged between the smokers and a group of Asian males in a passing car shortly before midnight.
It quickly erupted into a brawl involving around 50 people, with reports of some of those involved carrying baseball bats.
Police attended the scene to quell the trouble, while residents came out on to the street as the violence increased and cars were attacked and smashed.
One eye-witness said: “I saw the car stop and someone get out, that sparked it and before long there were so many people out in the streets, making phone calls and more people arriving.
“Both groups were getting really angry and were continuing to wind the others up.
“There were people with baseball bats and sticks, people were throwing stones and smashing the pub windows as well as attacking cars.
“Local residents were just in shock, it’s never happened like this before.
“This is not the sort of thing you want on your doorstep, it escalated so quickly and spilled out across the road.”
A full-scale investigation has now been launched into the violence.
Two people were arrested immediately after the incident. One has since been released with no further actions and one has been bailed to return to the police station at a later date.
Two people reported being assaulted on the night, although no one was seriously injured.
Chief Supt Forber said: “The verbal altercation has escalated very quickly into a serious incident.
“We are undertaking a thorough investigation into what happened and I appeal for anyone who witnessed the disorder or has any information about who might be involved to contact Oldham CID.
“Extra patrols will be in the area to reassure local residents.”
Anyone with information is asked to call 0161-856 8965.
