Police have issued two separate orders to prevent anti-social behaviour
GMP in Gorton last Bonfire Night, amid disorder in Vine Street(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Face coverings have been banned in parts of Manchester as part of wider efforts to curb anti-social behaviour on Bonfire Night.
Greater Manchester Police has issued two separate orders to boost officers’ powers today (November 5).
Both orders cover parts of Gorton and Abbey Hey, in east Manchester, from 9am this morning until 3am tomorrow morning.
One order – known as a Section 60AA authority – specifically gives GMP the power to require people to remove any face coverings that are being used to disguise or conceal their appearance.
Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE
Police have also issued a Section 60 authority, which gives officers additional powers to stop and search people.
Both orders, issued under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, cover the areas of Gorton and Abbey Hey highlighted in red in the map issued by GMP (below) – between Ashton Old Road, Chapman Street, Hyde Road and Gorton Reservoirs.
The area covered by the two orders(Image: GMP/Google Maps)
The area includes Vine Street, which was the scene of major disorder last Bonfire Night – with a car set alight and officers pelted with fireworks.
GMP says patrols will also be increased ‘over the coming days’ as part of efforts to keep residents safe during the Bonfire Night period.
Inspector Zac Campbell, of GMP’s Gorton and Levenshulme Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We have implemented this order to assist officers in reducing serious anti-social behaviour and criminality during Bonfire Night.
“The order runs into the early hours of tomorrow morning, and you will notice extra police presence in the area.
A car in flames on Vine Street last Bonfire Night(Image: Submitted)
“If you have any concerns about anything, please do speak with an officer.”
Anyone with concerns during Bonfire Night can report them to police on 101 or online using Live Chat.
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.