Two 13-year-olds have been arrested after police officers were injured during a “challenging and volatile situation” amid a gathering of more than 60 young people.
Three officers were hurt after youths gathered in Cadishead on 29 October and a property was damaged, Greater Manchester Police said. Two nights later another big group on Liverpool Road were reportedly setting off fireworks.
A boy, 13, has been held on suspicion of violent disorder, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and two counts of assaulting an emergency worker.
A girl, also 13, has been held on suspicion of violent disorder and perverting the course of justice. The pair are being questioned in police custody.
Greater Manchester Police said its officers were faced with a “challenging and volatile situation, during which three officers were assaulted” last Thursday.
The force said it had received an increase in reports of anti-social behaviour involving groups of young people over the previous week.
Locals in Cadishead and staff at pubs in the area have told the teenagers wearing “balaclavas and bandanas” had been “causing trouble” recently, throwing fireworks and bricks and “kicking in doors”, in what looked like “organised” gatherings.
Some residents reported being fearful of leaving their homes.
Sergeant Heather Stott said: “This type of behaviour will not be tolerated, and we will take robust action against anyone who chooses to cause disorder and distress within our communities.”
She said she wanted to reassure the community that officers were “working hard to disrupt this behaviour and prevent any further escalation”.
Detectives have been trawling CCTV as part of their investigation. They urged anyone with information or footage to contact them.