Section 60 powers in place following reports of large disturbances in Oldham

Police were called to a large-scale disturbance in Oldham last night during which a man suffered life-changing injuries and is in hospital.

The incident took place on Doncaster Walk in Coldhurst at 8:44pm. 

A further report was received at 10:41pm that a 15-year-old boy was assaulted by a group of people near Oldham Mumps Metrolink Station. He was rushed to the hospital for his injuries. 

No arrests have been made in relation to these incidents, and further enquiries are ongoing. At this time, it is believed that the incidents are not linked. 

Under a Section 60, officers have extra powers to stop and search people in the area defined above within the timeframe. A Section 60AA authority allows police to require people to remove face coverings used to disguise or conceal their appearance. 

The authority, which was granted at 10:45pm last night, will run for a 24-hour period until 10:45pm tonight (Thursday, August 27. 

The enforcement of the S60 has been granted as part of a response to keeping the community safe and preventing further incidents taking place. Officers will be increasing patrols in the area over the coming days. 

The authorisation will be reviewed throughout the day and extended if necessary. 

Superintendent Roger Pegram said: “This order has been implemented to provide officers with extra powers to tackle these incidents, which will never be tolerated. 

“These incidents have caused substantial alarm, distress and concern within the local community and it is right that our officers in the area have these powers to stop-search and ask people to remove face coverings. Ultimately, this is to deter and prevent any further criminality. 

“You will see extra officers in the area and I would urge anyone with any information or issues to please get in touch with us.” 

Officers are appealing for information or any CCTV, dash cam of Ring doorbell footage in relation to both incidents. 

Anyone with information can contact Oldham CID via 0161 856 8906 or at gmp.police.uk, quoting log 3341 of 26/08/26. 

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.