Police assault arrest as dozens involved in disorder

A teenage girl has been arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer after dozens of people joined disorder that saw cars set on fire and bricks being hurled in Salford.

About 50 to 60 people gathered during the disturbance in the city’s Lower Broughton Road at around 13:30 BST, Greater Manchester Police said.

Cars were stolen and set on fire, motorbikes were being ridden erratically and bricks thrown at officers, while wheelie bins and cars were used to block off the road, the force said.

A 16-year-old girl was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an officer.

The windscreen of a police vehicle was smashed during the disruption, while a video shared on social media appeared to show a Fiat 500 reversing at speed along the road with its boot open, as another car followed it.

Supt Marcus Noden said: “We are aware of speculation online that this incident is linked to immigration. This is categorically incorrect.

“This sort of behaviour will not be tolerated and we took robust and appropriate action.

“A large number of officers will be remaining in the area over night as a precaution.

“There are currently no ongoing incidents in the area, however, tensions remain heightened, and we have robust plans in place, should we need to respond to any further incidents.”

A dispersal order would remain in place until 14:00 BST on Thursday, police said.