Emergency Powers Enacted After Gorton Violence
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) authorized Section 60 stop and search powers across parts of Gorton and Reddish, Manchester, following an incident of violent disorder involving machetes and knives on the evening of Friday, October 10, 2025. The authorization came after officers responded to reports of a group of males attacking others in the Ryder Brow area.
Stabbing Incident and Arrest
Police were called to Ryderbrow Road where they discovered a 17-year-old male with injuries consistent with a stabbing. The incident is believed to have occurred on nearby Wayland Road. In connection with the disturbance, a 17-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and remains in custody for questioning. Specialist forensic crime scene investigation officers were observed at the scene on Saturday, October 11, 2025.
Section 60 Authority Details
The Section 60 authority, granted under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, was put in place at 11:30 PM on Friday, October 10, 2025, and remained active for 24 hours, expiring at 11:30 PM on Saturday, October 11, 2025. This power allows police officers to stop and search individuals within a specified area without needing to have reasonable grounds for suspicion, if an inspector or above believes that serious violence may occur or that people will be carrying dangerous instruments or offensive weapons.
The areas covered by the Section 60 order included:
- Hyde Road
- Mount Road
- Barlow Road
- Longford Road West
- Gorton Road
- Reddish Lane
- The Belle Vue and Ryder Brow areas of Gorton
- Parts of North Reddish, Stockport
Police Reassurance and Appeal for Information
Detective Inspector Natasha Feerick of GMP's city centre division addressed community concerns, stating, 'We understand how concerning incidents like this can be for the local community, and we want to reassure residents that we are fully committed to tackling violent crime and keeping our streets safe.' She added that the Section 60 authority was implemented to provide officers with enhanced powers to prevent further violence and identify those responsible.
Extra patrol officers were deployed in the affected areas. GMP urged anyone with information regarding the incident to contact them on 101, quoting log number 3632 of 10/10/2025. Information can also be reported online or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
11 Comments
Africa
Section 60 is just racial profiling. It doesn't solve anything.
Bermudez
I understand the urgency to prevent further attacks, but blanket stop and search can damage trust between the police and the community. Long-term solutions are also crucial.
Muchacha
It's tough when serious violence occurs, and police need tools. However, the lack of reasonable grounds for suspicion raises concerns about potential abuse and disproportionate targeting.
Donatello
Police doing what's needed. Support our officers!
Raphael
Preventing knife crime is essential for community well-being. Still, we should carefully monitor the impact of these broad powers on human rights and ensure they are truly effective, not just a temporary fix.
Leonardo
About time they cracked down. Gorton needs this.
ytkonos
Good, they need to get these weapons off the streets. Safety first!
lettlelenok
Unwarranted searches are not policing; they're harassment.
ytkonos
If it stops violence, it's worth it. No complaints here.
KittyKat
Stop and search doesn't address root causes of violence.
Loubianka
Another erosion of civil liberties. This power is easily abused.