Police issue 48-hour dispersal order in Rochdale following anti-social behaviour

Police have issued a 48-hour dispersal order across Rochdale town centre following recent incidents of anti-social behaviour involving young people.

It comes after crowds of teenagers swarmed the high street in Clapham, south London, on Tuesday and Saturday, trying to get into shops and setting off fireworks on Clapham Common, as part of a social media "link-up".

Around 100 officers responded to anti-social behaviour on Tuesday, with six teenage girls arrested over the two incidents and a 48-hour dispersal order put in place on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, groups of young people in Rochdale were reported to be harassing staff and causing criminal damage at a business and in the centre, Greater Manchester Police said.

A dispersal order was in place in Rochdale from 11.30am on Thursday until 11.30am on Saturday.

The order allows officers to exclude a person, or people, from an area for up to 48 hours through written notice.

It aims to minimise behaviour contributing to, or likely to contribute to anti-social behaviour or crime or disorder in the area.

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Inspector Meena Yasin, from GMP's Rochdale district, said the order also aims to protect businesses.

She said: "We will not tolerate anti-social behaviour and where this is reported, we will look to take the strongest action - whether through proactive action or preventative problem-solving work."

Officers will be patrolling the town centre to ensure everyone has a "safe and enjoyable" Bank Holiday weekend, Ms Yasin added.

(c) Sky News 2026: Police issue 48-hour dispersal order in Rochdale following anti-social behaviour