OFFICERS HOSPITALISED AFTER ELLESMERE CENTRE RIOT

At around 8.50pm on Monday 19 February 2018, a large number of youths were reportedly smashing lights and throwing bottles in the shopping centre.

Two officers attended and found a large group of teenagers in the carpark near to Tesco.

As they tried to detain a teenager they were confronted by the youths and during a struggle both officers sustained injuries.

Both were taken to hospital for treatment. One officer suffered a broken ankle and remains in hospital requiring surgery.

Another suffered back and nerve damage and has since been released.A 14-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of assaulting two police officers and criminal damage. He has been bailed until later today (Tuesday 20 February).

Superintendent Howard Millington of GMP’s Salford borough said:

Quote

 

“It is absolutely disgraceful that two of our hard-working officers have been injured when they were simply doing their job. 

“This incident shows how committed our officers are to protecting the people of Salford and the injuries they have suffered are completely unacceptable.

“We will do everything we can to bring the people responsible to justice and we are currently following a number of lines of enquiry to identify all those involved.

“We have also increased patrols in the area and are using our powers to try and prevent any further incidents from happening.

“This targeted approach means any youths found congregating in the area will be moved on by our officers and we will continue to use these powers over the next coming days to specifically identify any individuals causing issues.

“If you were part of the crowd last night, or know something that could help with our investigation, please do the right thing and contact police at the earliest possible opportunity.

“We know a lot of the disorder was filmed on phones and is likely to be shared around. If you have any footage or are aware of any then please make police aware immediately.”

 

Anyone with information is asked to contact police 101, quoting incident number 2069 of 19/02/18. Reports can also be made anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.