Police break up party involving over 60 youths smoking, drinking and setting fires in Norden

Police were called to a quarry off of Old Delph Road, Norden on Thursday 9 April following reports that a group of over 60 teenagers were seen drinking, smoking and setting fires.

It is understood that officers issued a number of dispersal orders on some of the youths found at the quarry and have now stepped up their patrols in the village.

Police Constable Rhys Ibbotson from Rochdale Police said: "During the Easter Bank Holiday, residents contacted us expressing concerns of anti-social behaviour taking place in the Norden area. We have since increased patrols in the area and have issued dispersal orders to those who have been disrupting the community.

"Anti-social behaviour has no place in our neighbourhoods. I would like to reassure those who work and live in the area that we will do everything in our power to stop it and target those who are responsible for spreading misery. These patrols will continue to be in place for the up-coming school holidays.”

Councillor Peter Winkler said: “We don’t want to say that all of the kids are bad kids and we appreciate that a lot of the kids out at that party were just out with their friends to have a good time. When the weather is nice, we all want to go out with our friends and that is fine, but when there is a large number, it does become intimidating for people.

“We don’t want to tell these kids not to go out but when drugs and alcohol are involved we do have to do something about that. Things seemed to have quietened down over the weekend, which is good and I have had meetings with the youth service and the area forum about what we could do for the kids to give them somewhere to go so they can be with their friends. At the end of the day, they are part of the village as well and we don’t want to exclude them.”

A statement issued on the Norden Village Facebook page added: “This is not 'just kids hanging around', the group was over 60 youths, boys and girls, many of whom are not even from this area. A team of six police officers had to attend to break up the gang, issuing formal dispersal orders.

“This has been happening for a number of nights now and people all over Norden have had enough. People, if your kids are out, please make sure they are not getting caught up in this. The police are not messing around now, they will be picked up and taken directly into custody.

“We have witnessed burning fires in the quarry, underage kids drinking spirits, youth’s openly rolling and smoking joints, offering to sell us cannabis and shouting abuse at people.

“This is already out of hand and we have to stop it now. Officers need to know where and when this is starting and where and when it is happening. You might not see them dealing with it but rest assured that they are. Your call is logged and the information will be used to keep our village safe.”

Anyone who witnesses any anti-social behaviour, or gangs forming in the village is asked to call police on 101.