Chaos on Lower Broughton Road
Police officer assaulted and patrol vehicle damaged during serious disorder in Salford
Salford is back in the spotlight today as Greater Manchester Police respond to serious disorder on Lower Broughton Road. We’ll be updating this article with new developments as they come in.
In a short but firm statement issued just moments ago, GMP Salford said:
“Officers are currently dealing with serious disorder on Lower Broughton Road in Salford and there is a Dispersal Order in place. Behaviour of this nature will not be tolerated and we will respond accordingly. We have made an arrest on suspicion of assaulting a police officer and one of our vehicles has been damaged.”
The presence of a Dispersal Order indicates that police have implemented special powers to move people on from the area, in an effort to prevent further escalation. It’s a rare and serious measure, usually reserved for volatile situations.
The damage to a police vehicle and an officer reportedly assaulted in the line of duty are stark reminders of just how quickly things can turn in these flashpoints. Emergency service workers shouldn’t be put in this position. When a uniform becomes a target, it raises bigger questions about the root causes of public anger and how that anger is once again spilling into the streets.
We don’t yet know what sparked this incident, how long it’s been ongoing, or whether there have been any injuries to members of the public. What we do know is that Greater Manchester Police officers are on the ground right now facing it head-on.
16:42
Some video footage and images taken at the scene are now surfacing on X. They show groups of hooded males riding around on motorbikes, with a vehicle on fire in the background. Multiple police vans can also be seen in the area, and one photo shows a damaged car abandoned near the roadside.
Another image now circulating shows a group of hooded individuals gathered next to a black car, with bins tipped over in the street nearby. The scene appears tense, with clear signs of disruption and coordination.
17:40
This is what unfolded on the streets of Salford earlier this afternoon. Total lawlessness. A Fiat 500, already heavily damaged, was seen being driven on pavements and weaving through live traffic. Bins were dragged into the road. Groups of hooded youths raced through the streets, blocked vehicles, and intimidated drivers. At one point, members of the public appeared unable to safely pass through. This wasn’t just reckless. It was dangerous and it put lives at risk. We’ll be following up with full coverage of what happened and what comes next. Don’t miss the updates — sign up to our newsletter
17:44
There are now unconfirmed reports circulating on social media suggesting that today’s serious disorder may be linked to the funeral of two teenagers who tragically died in a motorcycle crash on Lower Broughton Road last month. The crash, which occurred on 22 May, claimed the lives of a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old.
While the timing of today’s unrest coincides with the funeral, no official confirmation has been given that the two events are directly connected. We’ll continue to monitor for any verified updates and report them here as they come in.
As soon as more information is confirmed, this article will be updated.
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This is a developing story. Check back soon for updates.