Binmen 'injured in street fight' while on rounds

Police are investigating after a fight broke out after an apparent confrontation between binmen and some other workmen.

Refuse collectors employed by Rochdale Council had suffered broken ribs and been left with loose teeth in the incident on Mount Road, Middleton, according to a local councillor.

Video footage of the incident on Tuesday showed a number of men - several of whom were wearing high-visibility jackets - throwing punches and grappling next to a bin lorry.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said violence against public sector workers "will not be tolerated".

Ward councillor Dylan Williams said Rochdale Council had reviewed the CCTV footage from the bin lorry and had established the binmen were confronted by a number of men who were also wearing high-visibility jackets.

The confrontation is believed to have started after men in a van asked the binmen to move their lorry but were asked to wait for a short time.

Williams said: "It's just disgusting really seeing the binmen being attacked like that.

"I mean the job itself is difficult enough; They have to work in all all weathers, it's long days, they get up very early in the morning."

In a statement, a spokesperson for Rochdale Council told the BBC it was "shocked and saddened" by the "unprovoked attack on staff who were just doing their jobs".

"Our waste operatives deserve respect and should not face any form of abuse while providing a public service," it said.

The council said it was supporting the GMP investigation and would offer support to the crew affected.

Supt Muzemil Kernain said the force was urging anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward.

"Violence against public sector workers going about their work in the community will not be tolerated under any circumstances – everyone has right to carry out their duties without fear of harm or harassment," he said.

"Any individual who engages in threatening or violent behaviour will be dealt with swiftly and robustly."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.