Teens, 15 and 16, arrested after series of disorder and robberies in city centre

Extra police officers are being deployed in Manchester after two incidents, which are believed to be part of a linked series of crimes.

The first incident took place on Boxing Day, December 26, at around 5pm involving a large group of people at the Arndale Centre.

Officers attended and with the aid of Arndale security staff and Manchester City Council’s CCTV, two juveniles were arrested and then later released under investigation.

Police were also made aware of a robbery near Piccadilly Gardens on January 3.

Two 15-year-old boys reportedly had expensive designer coats stolen by another group of boys who had threatened them.

As a result of both incidents, officers conducted early morning warrants in Clayton and two boys, aged 15 and 16, were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and robbery offences.

They remain in custody ahead of being questioned by detectives.

During the warrant, two high-value designer coats were reportedly recovered and have been seized for forensic recovery.

Chief Inspector Steve Wiggins, from GMP’s City Centre district, said: “We’re aware that these incidents are causing considerable concern to residents and those visiting the city centre. 

“We have deployed neighbourhood officers to work alongside partners including staff in the Arndale Centre to conduct patrols to provide a visible reassurance and speak to any individuals who are causing issues.

“These arrests today are exactly the sorts of results we want to deliver and what our communities rightly expect from us, and will continue this momentum by conducting CCTV trawls and we will investigate any new information and lines of enquiry fully to bring those responsible to justice.

“We’re continuing to work with our partners to tackle this issue and would like to reassure nearby residents, and visitors to the city centre, that we’ll continue to deploy extra officers and deal with those involved appropriately.

“Our focus will continue to remain on robust action towards those who we suspect of being involved in violent crime to keep our communities safe.

“We continue to appeal for any information or video footage, specifically any mobile video from the Arndale Food Court on 26 December 2023 at around 5pm to contact officers on 0161 856 6164 quoting log 1901 of 26/12/2023.”