Shocking footage has emerged showing a lone police officer being surrounded and ambushed by a mob of teenagers in Salford on Monday, 14 April. The officer had been responding to reports of a group of young people harassing a shop worker on Edward Avenue before the situation escalated.
The video, widely shared on social media, captures the dramatic moments as the officer attempts to arrest a 14-year-old girl allegedly involved in the incident. During the arrest, the officer is seen fending off four teenagers from the group who rush towards him and attempt to pull him away. The officer reacts by kicking one youth backward and pushing another girl, who falls to the ground.
Screams of "get off him" can be heard in the background as the officer tries to escort the arrested girl to a police car parked nearby. Throughout the encounter, the officer repeatedly orders the crowd to "back off." The tense interactions were all recorded on a mobile phone camera.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed that at around 4.45 pm on 14 April they had responded quickly to the activation of a panic alarm by a shop worker on Edward Avenue. The complaint had alleged that a group of young people was harassing the shop worker and attempting to shoplift. Upon arrival, the lone officer arrested a 14-year-old female connected to the report.
GMP stated, "The officer was approached by a group who were disrupting this arrest in what was a challenging situation." The force is currently reviewing a complaint related to the incident. The Professional Standards Directorate is examining all relevant material, including the officer's body-worn camera footage.
Though initially arrested, the 14-year-old girl was later de-arrested and taken home after the victim declined to support the investigation further. A GMP spokesperson said, "Whilst on this occasion, the victim did not seek to support further investigation into the report and the girl was de-arrested and taken home with no further action, we are committed to responding to reports of shoplifting and taking action to keep shop workers safe."
The incident has sparked considerable attention on social media, highlighting the challenges faced by police officers attending incidents involving groups of young people. The local force continues to review the case to ensure all procedures were correctly followed.
The Manchester Evening News is reporting on the incident and continues to provide updates on developments related to it.
Source: Noah Wire Services