Wake-up call for suspected rioters

Police have made a further 25 arrests after raids on homes across Greater Manchester led them to rioters involved in the summer disorder.

Operation Valant was launched by Greater Manchester Police to bring those involved in widespread violence across Manchester city centre and Salford in August to justice.

Yesterday, officers arrested 23 suspects wanted in connection with arson, violent disorder and looting offences in a series of dawn raids across Salford, Manchester and Bury.

A further two arrests were made regarding unconnected offences. All remain in custody pending further inquiries.

Suspected stolen goods were also recovered and a large cannabis farm uncovered.

Three months on from the riots, GMP has made more than 350 arrests and put more than 200 of those before the courts. The public has helped by identifying offenders through CCTV footage.

Assistant Chief Constable Ian Hopkins, who leads Operation Valant, said: “We are still relentlessly pursuing those suspected of being involved in the shameful actions we saw that day.

“We know from talking to our communities that what happened on August 9 continues to provoke feelings of anger and outrage.

“Many shopkeepers are rebuilding their livelihoods and people are still trying to come to terms with the violent and ugly scenes the police and the public were faced with.

“That is why GMP is continuing to arrest anyone suspected of being involved in the disorder.

“Whether it is a matter of days or months, we will be coming through the doors of anyone involved whether it is a looter, an arsonist, those who attacked police officers or even those who used social networking sites to stir-up trouble.

“The public, police and judiciary have all shown they will not tolerate the appalling criminal behaviour we witnessed in August. This has been reflected in the speed at which people have been brought to justice and the sentences they have been given.”

Councillor Paul Murphy, Chairman of Greater Manchester Police Authority, said: “We have now received 399 claims for compensation under the Riot Damages Act which, along with £3.3 million of policing costs, brings the total bill for the damage caused by these mindless thugs to approximately £9 million.”

Anyone with information should call the dedicated appeal line number on 0800 092 0410 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555 111.