126 arrested in major crackdown

More than 100 people are now in custody as part of Greater Manchester Police’s crackdown on drunken violence.

Homes across Greater Manchester have been raided in an initiative aimed at tracking down criminals suspected of drink-fuelled violence.

So far 126 people have been arrested, including one man on suspicion of attempted murder, and forty cannabis plants have also been seized in Rochdale.

Today’s crackdown follows on from the success of last year’s Operation Admiral and Operation Admiral II, which netted hundreds of offenders.

Officers are also using Operation Portcullis to appeal for people to call police if they suspect anyone living near them is committing offences of any kind.

Superintendent Chris Ullah said: “There may be someone you know or who lives near you and you ask yourself: What are the police doing about them?

“Now’s the time to tell us who they are and we’ll do the rest.

“We’ve set up a dedicated telephone number today and all calls will be treated in confidence. You don’t have to leave your name. Just call us on 0161 856 2019.”

Updates on the operation are being tweeted live from the police control room on GMP’s Twitter site – www.twitter.com/gmpolice

Later today, officers are working with the licensing trade to highlight the role they play in encouraging responsible drinking and safety arches will be used in Manchester city centre throughout the night.

Operation Portcullis involves a range of agencies, such as Manchester City Council, Greater Manchester Public Health Network and British Transport Police.

The operation is being supported by Greater Manchester Police's Think Safe, Drink Safe campaign to encourage sensible drinking.

Anyone concerned about criminal activity in their neighbourhood should call 0161 856 2019 today.