Teenagers disrupt police, stop streetcars and force shopkeepers to barricade their stores while graduation celebrations turn into mini-riots
Teenagers disrupt police, stop streetcars and force shopkeepers to barricade their stores while graduation celebrations turn into mini-riots
- A break-up order was issued in Piccadilly Garden, Manchester, just after 5pm
Eggs and milkshakes were thrown at police officers by teenagers who caused chaos in Manchester city centre.
Yesterday hundreds of children in uniform were seen frolicking in Piccadilly Gardens after finishing school for the summer.
As the youths ran amok, shops had to lock their doors and tram services were paralyzed.
An eyewitness said the group then walked up Market Street, where they were joined by teenagers from other schools.
This follows a similar scene when around 100 students attacked police officers in January last year.
Eggs and milkshakes were thrown at police officers by teenagers who caused chaos in Manchester city centre
An eviction order was issued in Piccadilly Gardens just after 5pm yesterday
A tactical support unit was called in to help contain the chaos, which reportedly began after a group of teenagers were told to leave the food court at Arndale Shopping Center around 2.30pm.
An eviction order was issued just after 5pm and one person was reportedly arrested after being chased through Piccadilly Gardens by officers.
Despite police warnings to disperse, the crowd screamed and screamed for almost two hours, witnesses said.
Officers warned those gathered that they could be arrested if they refused to move when asked.
Video footage shows crowds of youngsters marching past Primark towards Piccadilly Gardens.
Police officers in Manchester city center warned those gathering that they could be arrested if they refused to move when asked
Manchester City Councilor Pat Karney criticized the “disgraceful behaviour” of those involved and warned action would be taken.
“It’s just a shame,” he said. “Hundreds of youngsters – we know it’s the last day of school and we’ve all been there and enjoyed it – but you don’t come to central Manchester to stop the trams, throw eggs at the cops, cause chaos around the area and think that’s fun.”
“We will have pictures of these children – we have many cameras in Piccadilly and at tram stops – and we will contact the schools they come from.” This will not be allowed in the city centre. “We won’t put up with this nonsense.”