Police Enforce 48-Hour Order Following Wigan Town Centre Violence
Greater Manchester Police imposed a 48-hour dispersal order after two violent incidents in Wigan town centre. The measure took effect at 10pm on Saturday, March 21, and expires at 9.59pm on Monday.
Incidents under investigation
Officers were called to Market Place on Friday, March 20, after reports of youths fighting at about 3pm. A man was arrested in connection with that disorder and later released on bail pending further enquiries.
Police returned to the town centre on Saturday evening following an assault in Church Gardens. The victim was male. Suspects remain outstanding and enquiries are ongoing.
Dispersal order and police response
The order was issued under Section 34, giving officers extra powers to move people on. It allows police to remove anyone causing, or likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress.
Residents and visitors can expect an increased police presence in the covered area while the order is active. The dispersal zone covers central parts of Wigan town centre highlighted by police maps.
Context and recent measures
This is not the first recent dispersal order in the borough. Officers issued two consecutive 48-hour orders in Leigh town centre earlier this month.
Earlier, a surge in anti-social behaviour led to another dispersal order in Wigan on February 7. Police say these measures aim to curb repeat public disorder incidents.
How to report information
GMP Wigan is asking witnesses to come forward with information or video footage. Call 101 or use the online reporting service to submit details.
- Quote log number 2044 of March 20 for the Market Place disorder.
- Quote log number 3064 of March 21 for the Church Gardens assault.
Police enforce a 48-hour order in response to the recent violence in Wigan town centre. Filmogaz.com will provide further updates as enquiries proceed.
