Appeal for information after disturbance at Pakistani Community Centre

Four arrests as police investigate if there are links between two separate incidents

Police are appealing for information following a large scale disturbance at the Pakistani Community Centre on Friday night which left one man in hospital.

Officers were called to the centre on Malborough Street in Glodwick, Oldham, just after 9pm to reports of the disturbance.

During the incident it is believed a man in his early 20s was assaulted. He was taken to hospital for treatment, where he remains in a serious but stable condition.

Police were later called to Royle Close, Oldham, at around 12.30am on Saturday morning to reports that an 18-year-old man had been stabbed in the leg.

He was taken to hospital where he remains for treatment. His condition is described as stable.

Police say they are keeping an open mind about whether the two incidents are linked but are asking anyone with information to come forward.

They are also particularly keen to speak with people who may have recorded footage on their mobile phones.

A cordon was put up at the Pakistani Community centre while investigative work was carried out, but this has now been lifted.

Police have made four arrests in connection with the incidents.

A 33-year-old man and a 41-year-old man have been arrested on suspicion of section 18 assault.

A 16-year-old lad was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and a 24-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of police assault and violent disorder.

All four have been released on bail pending further investigation.

Chief Inspector John Haywood, of GMP’s Oldham district, said: “We have a dedicated team of officers who are working hard to piece together the circumstances surrounding these two incidents and establish whether they are linked.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to reassure members of the community that our investigation is moving quickly and stress that we will endeavour to keep the public updated with any significant developments.

“I’d urge anyone with mobile phone footage to please hand this into police as it could prove vital to our investigation and could help us provide the two victim’s families with the answers they deserve.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 9087, quoting incident number 2296 of 14/06/19. Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.