Stalybridge man charged with violent disorder after riot in Piccadilly Gardens

A Stalybridge man has been charged with violent disorder following rioting on Saturday in Manchester city centre.

David Green, 41, of Hamilton Street, was charged over violence in Piccadilly Gardens.

The disorder was one of a number of riots which occurred throughout England over the weekend.

Another three men appeared in court with Green yesterday.

Andrew Phillips, 27, of Ripon Crescent, Stretford,was charged with violent disorder and assault.

Liam Ryan, 28, of Thirkleby Royd, Bradford,was charged with violent disorder.

Shaun Holt, 42, of Oak Road, Stockport, has been charged with violent disorder and assault.

Police arrested 28 people involved in rioting, the Chief Constable has confirmed.

And Stephen Watson warned more arrests were likely to follow.

Mr Watson called the scenes over the weekend ‘disgraceful’, and dismissed rioters as ‘criminals’.

“We ought not to credit them with more intelligence than they have got,” he went on. 

He credited specialist resources for being the reason why fighting and looting did not descend into outright chaos witnessed in other English towns like Rotherham, where mobs attempted to fire to a hotel housing asylum seekers and block an emergency exit.

“This is something we do have a handle on,” Mr Watson explained. “We do have capability in Manchester that some forces do not.

“We have, over the last three years, invested in properly trained, capable and w2ell-equipped individuals. They are well led — we have some of the most experienced Bronze Commanders in the country. We are well-versed in the delivery of tactics in regards to disorder.”

However, he recognised officers ‘are tired’. The Chief continued: “We have cancelled leave. We have cancelled days off. It’s 12 hours on and 12 hours off. But ultimately this is the call of duty.”

And Mayor Andy Burhham promised police would be given the resources to deal with any more trouble.

He said: “I will personally ensure GMP will have all the resources they need to maintain control of our streets — and law and order in our communities,” he told a press conference. “All residents in Greater Manchester can be assured we can do everything within our power to keep you safe.”