‘Out of control’
15:09, 15 Apr 2025Updated 15:09, 15 Apr 2025
Police at the scene where chaos erupted from a house party in Salford(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
Chaotic scenes unfolded on a Salford street after dozens of teenagers were thrown out of a house rented for a party. A thug on a bike was filmed wielding a crossbow as people screamed in terror.
Hours earlier, ‘up to 60’ youths arrived in minibuses and taxis. It is claimed a ‘bouncer’ put on the door was seen ‘frisking people’ before they went in. It is thought the landlord arrived and the house was cleared before things turned ugly.
The Manchester Evening News has learned the Romney Street property is available for short term rental, listed on Airbnb and Booking.com. Aibnb said the house had not been booked via its website. Booking.com was approached for comment.
Neighbours on the Charlestown street reported seeing teenagers going ‘in and out’ on Monday night (April 15).
Most were around 16 or 17, witnesses said, though some appeared younger. Neighbours said things were soon ‘out of control’, with ‘kids all over the place’.
The modern interior of the Romney Street party house(Image: Booking.com)
Neighbours said the house is ‘normally just empty’. It is described as a ‘full, modern family house’ on Booking.com, with a guest rating of 9.8 out of 10. Photos show its clean, modern interior.
On Monday night, it was the scene of an unruly party, described as being ‘like a rave’. There were scene of panic and disorder before seven people were arrested.
The Manchester Evening News understands the trouble started after noise complaints were made and partygoers flooded into the street.
A man was seen on a bike pointing a weapon towards a crowd. Greater Manchester Police received reports suggesting it was a gun. It is now understood it was a small crossbow. No other weapons were recovered from the scene.
The weapon seen pointed at a crowd
Neighbours described the havoc that unfolded before armed police arrived at 9.30pm.
“At about 6pm, three young people – they looked like students, two lads and a girl – turned up and let themselves in the house,” oner person said. “Within an hour, there were at least 60 people in the house.
“They were turning up in taxis. At one point a minibus came. They were various ages, from 13 up. Then the landlord turned up and chucked them all out.
“That was at around 8ish. I’d already phoned 101. They said ‘if they get out of hand, phone 999’. There was mayhem on the street.
“They were sitting on my car, I told them to get off and they told me ‘f*** off you old b******’. The street was just awash with kids all over the place.
The lounge of the property(Image: Booking.com)
“There was a bouncer on the door. It was like a rave. He was frisking them all before they went in. And he was checking what was in the women’s bags.”
The manager of a nearby convenience store said the situation quickly got ‘out of control’. He claimed dozens of youths were outside his shop on Monday night and that some stole alcohol for the party.
“They were outside our shop, so many of them,” he said. “There were 40 outside our shop. The police came in. It was out of control.
“The teenagers were causing problems. They were standing in the road. They stole from us as well. Every time they walked into the shop, they’d come in with 15 to 20 people.
“Last night, this street was out of control. We’ve never had any issues. Usually this area’s quiet. I’ve worked here for eight months. I’ve never seen a problem in the street.
Armed police storm a Salford street with a suspect on the ground after a weapon is pointed at a crowd
“I had to open the shop at 12pm today. It’s not good for business.”
Armed police stormed Romney Street, arresting a 54-year-old man on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon. A crossbow was recovered at the scene.
Six teenagers, aged 16 to 18, were arrested on suspicion of affray. A dispersal order remains in force across Charlestown until 10.47pm tonight (Tuesday), meaning people can be moved on from a designated area to prevent further violence.
Neighbours said the property has regularly been used for parties, with one claiming gatherings are held place ‘every Friday and Saturday night’.
One person said: “I saw lots of kids around 7pm. I heard some noise. Then when I came out I saw a lot of them come out. I was shocked. There were plenty of young girls and boys.
“The house was open. They were going in and out. Some of them parked outside. I don’t know if there was some party. There were plenty of people. There’s parties [in that house] but I’ve never seen young kids like this.
Evidence gathered from Romney Street(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
“They were 16 to 17. They were kids. When I came out I saw a lot of them. When I woke up in the morning, I saw a lot of police. I knew there was going to be trouble. I was surprised, there were plenty of kids.”
Neighbours described their surprise at the scenes which unfolded. Some first noticed the police helicopter flying above on Monday night.
“I was just eating nachos sitting in front of the TV,” one person said. “I thought something might be going on. Lots play street so all the kids usually run up and down. It’s pretty quiet. I feel safe. Nothing normally happens.”
One woman, aged 96, added: “I heard the helicopter. You do get quite a bit of trouble in the street. Noisiness. It’s bad when it’s like this. We’re frightened of going out. I never answer my door after 6pm.
The kitchen of the property(Image: Booking.com)
“Years ago, we’ve always had a little bit of falling out, but nothing like this and I’ve lived in this house for 67 years. On the whole, we get on quite well with different people.”
A cordon remained in place on Romney Street and nearby Littleton Road throughout Tuesday morning. Forensic investigators combed the scene for evidence.
Ward councillor John Warmisham told the Manchester Evening News he had concerns about the age of those involved.
Police on Romney Street this morning(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
“The community can be reassured that police have got it in hand,” he said.
“They are working very closely with partners like the council. Obviosuly there have been a number of arrests. It’s concerning that it’s young people that are involved and that weapons were involved. I am sure that there will be a full investigation.
“Anything that needs doing in the aftermath will be done – if we have to get outreach youth work down there, or encourage young people off the streets. I just hope that it’s not gang related and it’s a one-off.”
The incident is not thought to be gang-related, the Manchester Evening News understands.
The property where the party was held was searched by police. Detective Superintendent Simon Moyles said: “Our frontline officer’s rapid response to a concerning report prevented what could have been a dangerous incident from occurring.
“There was a large group of youths gathering in the area, and officers intervened in fights and helped several young people return home safely. Thankfully, no one at the scene required medical treatment.
One of the bedrooms at the Salford property(Image: Booking.com)
“Our investigation is moving at a pace; we have arrested seven people and taken a weapon off the streets while enquiries are ongoing.
“A police presence will remain in the area as we conduct enquiries and gather evidence. Neighbourhood officers will be patrolling around to provide reassurance to the local community.
“We understand an incident of this nature will cause alarm, and we encourage anyone with concerns to speak with a neighbourhood officer; they are there to help. You can also contact a local officer via the Your Area page on our website.
“If you have any information to support our investigation, call 101, quoting log 3631 – 14/04/2025 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”