Halliwell: Four arrested after 'large scale violent disorder'

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officers were called to Halliwell Road in Bolton at around 1am today, Monday, after multiple fights broke out.

The alleged fights took place after fireworks had been set off around the Halliwell Road area, with two men suffering "serious injuries" and having to be taken to hospital.

Four men, aged 25, 27, 31 and 35, have been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and are in custody.

Officers on scene (Image: Phil Taylor)

Cordons could be seen this morning on Gladstone Street, Weymouth Street, Ewart Street, Back Ewart Street and Louisa Street, amongst others.

Small evidence cones were also in place on the floor within the cordon on Weymouth Street.

Residents said they had heard fireworks being set off, and that there had been violence in the area.

A police spokesperson said: "GMP responded to calls at approximately 1am today, September 11, initially reporting fireworks being set off in the Halliwell Road area of the town.

"More calls were received relating to fights that had broken out in the same area. Unfortunately two men sustained serious injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.

Police vehicles on scene (Image: Phil Taylor)

"Four men, aged 25, 27, 31 and 35 have been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and remain in custody for questioning.

"Four scenes are currently in place on Maria Street/Gladstone Street, Madeley Gardens, Bride Street and Weymouth Street. Officers are working with CSI to process the scenes, which should all be closed later today (Monday)."

Detective Inspector Stuart Woodhead, of GMP's Bolton division, added: "What appeared to start as anti-social behaviour in relation to fireworks, quickly descended into large scale violent disorder, which is completely unacceptable on the streets of Bolton.

"We would be interested in speaking with anyone who may have witnessed the incident and would ask that they contact us via 101, the CID office directly on 0161 85 65757 or via the Live Chat function on our website, www.gmp.police.uk.

A crime scene forensic on Louisa Street (Image: Phil Taylor)

"Information can also be passed anonymously via the independent charity - Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

One resident said: "The fireworks started at 1am.

"There is a patch of grass behind the shops on Halliwell Road, near Gladstone Street, people were letting off fireworks.

"They were told to pack it in as people have babies and kids, people who had to go to work. But then the fireworks started going off again."

The resident also said that a fight then broke out, with the entire incident lasting for around 20 to 30 minutes before police arrived.

He added: "The police arrived at 1.30pm, there were absolute shedloads of them that turned up, then things were shut down and sealed off."

Another resident said: "We didn't hear anything, we only heard loud fireworks.

"But that happens a lot round here so we don't normally pay much attention.

"Otherwise we didn't see anything, nobody came out." 

For live updates on this incident, see our live blog: 

UPDATES: Large police presence and streets cordoned off around main road