Actions of some police officers on Whit Friday criticised

Saddleworth News has been contacted by readers to say they were unhappy with the way some police officers dealt with concerns over violence in Uppermill on Whit Friday.

One girl told us she had reported a man throwing bottles into a crowd of people to two officers, they told her they were busy, laughed at her and carried on chatting. She said she felt patronised by the officers and did not understand why they would not take any action against the offender.

A man who wishes to remain anonymous reported that he had overhead a group of men saying they were going to mug him and witnesses heard the same, when he reported this to an officer he told him unless they actually mugged him later there was nothing they could do as no offence had been committed.

There was a robbery near the canal towpath just before this.

He told us he was amazed by this, saying that even when he reported it to a senior officer he was given the same line. He wondered if the officers daughter was about to be mugged or kidnapped and she asked for help if he would have had the same attitude?

He said: “I thought they could have had words with them even just on the suspicion of committing an offence. Their attitude was disgusting.

“I know they can be stretched at times but this was no excuse there was no disorder when I asked for help. I recorded what the officer said as it was so ludicrous. He was just plain rude.”

Saddleworth News has heard the sound recording which does appear to back up his claims. Both people who spoke to us say they will not make an official complaint as they are sure it would make no difference.

A man was also struck in the head by a glass bottle in Uppermill the same night. It happened between 11.45pm and 11.55pm on Friday 1 June 2012 on Oldham Road, following the day’s band contest.

It is believed an argument broke out between two groups, one consisting of men and women in their late teens and the other two men of a stocky build. During the argument, one of the women either threw or struck one of the men on the side of his head with a glass bottle, causing it to smash and leaving him with numerous cuts. A 19-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of section 18 wounding and bailed until 14 July 2012 pending further inquiries.

In a statement to Saddleworth News, Chief Superintendent Tim Forber said: “This year’s band contest has been a great success for the Borough and the community. The event was carefully planned with the support of organisers, Oldham Council, GMPTE, youth services and local schools and this has been reflected by the overall success of the day which was peaceful and saw only a small number of arrests for minor offences.

“The overall event had a great atmosphere and was a real family occasion for the people of Saddleworth.

“We know from speaking to the community that there have been no complaints or issues raised over policing during the day, however if there are any complaints please don’t hesitate to contact the Saddleworth and Lees Neighbourhood Policing Team on 0161 856 4524 or email the team on: saddleworthandlees.npt@gmp.police.uk.”

Author: Jude Gidney - Editor

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