Horror in Oldham: Man Critically Injured, Boy Attacked in Chaotic Night Near Tram Stop
Police in Oldham have dramatically increased their powers, including stop-and-search authority and the ability to request removal of face coverings, following a male suffering 'life-changing injuries' and a 15-year-old boy being attacked. These measures come in response to unrelated disturbances that have caused significant community concern.
Police powers have been significantly increased in Oldham following a series of serious disturbances that left a male with life-changing injuries and a 15-year-old boy attacked. These enhanced powers, granted through Section 60 and 60AA orders, enable officers to conduct increased stop-and-search operations and to legally instruct individuals to remove face coverings. This measure aims to deter further criminality and address the substantial alarm and distress caused within the local community.
The first of these incidents occurred on Wednesday evening, August 26, at approximately 8.45pm. Officers were called to a 'large-scale disturbance' on Doncaster Walk. During this event, a male, whose age was not specified, suffered 'life-changing injuries' and was immediately rushed to hospital. Armed police were visible on Lord Street, and a police scene was established as officers responded to the serious situation.
Later the same evening, just after 10.40pm, authorities received reports of an assault near the Oldham Mumps tram stop. A 15-year-old boy was attacked by a group of people close to the Metrolink station and required hospital treatment for his injuries. A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police (GMP) clarified that, despite the close timing, these two serious incidents are not believed to be linked. At the time of reporting, no arrests had been made in connection with either disturbance.
In direct response to these incidents, a Section 60 and 60AA order was issued for a specific area of Oldham. This order was granted at 10.45pm on August 26 and was set to run for 24 hours. Under these orders, police officers are granted increased stop-and-search powers, allowing them to search individuals without requiring reasonable grounds for suspicion. Additionally, the Section 60AA order provides officers with the legal authority to require people to remove face coverings. GMP has also confirmed that patrols will be stepped up in the affected areas over the coming days to maintain public safety and deter further criminal activity.
Superintendent Roger Pegram of GMP commented on the situation, stating that the order was implemented to provide officers with the necessary extra powers to tackle these incidents, emphasizing that such behavior would never be tolerated. He acknowledged that the disturbances have caused 'substantial alarm, distress and concern within the local community,' making it appropriate for officers to have these enhanced capabilities. Superintendent Pegram further explained that the ultimate purpose of these measures is to deter and prevent any future criminality, and he urged anyone with information or issues to get in touch with the police.
The public is encouraged to provide any information regarding the two incidents, including individuals who possess CCTV, dash cam, or Ring doorbell footage. Oldham CID can be contacted directly on 0161 856 8906 or via gmp.police.uk, quoting log 3341 of 26/08/26. For those who wish to provide information anonymously, the independent charity Crimestoppers can be reached on 0800 555 111.