Extra police powers for town centre after disorder

Five people have been arrested after police were granted extra stop, search and dispersal powers in a town centre earlier following reports of disorder.

The powers began in Oldham at 13:25 GMT following similar incidents on Monday and last week, Greater Manchester Police said.

A Section 35 dispersal order is in place for 48 hours until 13:25 GMT on Thursday. This allows officers to exclude a person, or people, from an area for up to 48 hours through a written notice.

A Section 60 order is also in effect for an initial 24 hours until 13:25 GMT on Wednesday and gives police enhanced powers to search vehicles and seize dangerous items or face coverings.

Greater Manchester Police said two people had been arrested for violent disorder and three for possession of offensive weapons.

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