Rochdale takeaway attacked as youths clash with
police
Police said they had managed to
dispersed that gangs that caused the disturbances
Gangs of youths have clashed with police after targeting
takeaway businesses in Greater Manchester.
Police were sent to the Heywood area of Rochdale on Thursday evening after a
takeaway was attacked and a number of vehicles damaged.
Many businesses shut as about 200 youths gathered in Market Street. It is
thought an Asian takeaway was targeted.
A Greater Manchester Police officer was hurt in the clashes. Police said they
had dispersed the group.
The disturbances coincide with the trial of 11 men from Rochdale accused of
having sex with girls under the age of 16. They all deny the charges.
Assistant Chief Constable Terry Sweeney said police were aware of "tensions
in the borough".
He said: "A group of youths have attacked a local business and clashed with
police officers. We would urge parents in the area to call their children if
they are not home yet.
"Reassurance patrols are in place to try and mitigate this and we ask the
community to act responsibly during this difficult time.
"A number of local businesses have closed of their own volition and we will
continue to work closely with them."
After officers dispersed the group from Market Street some youths shouted
"EDL" - English Defence League - as they left, according to the Press
Association.
Police said they were monitoring social media sites.http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-17149799