Somewhat overwhelmed by the extent of the raves’ scale, and the rapidity with which they were organised, Manchester Police Assistant Constable Chris Skykes has said to the Manchester Evening News that the two events “came on us really quickly.” Responding to the ill-fated raves on their official Twitter account, @gmpolice, Greater Manchester Police have shared a link to a Statement in relation to gatherings across Greater Manchester last night. Establishing “these raves were illegal and I condemn them taking place – they were clearly a breach of Coronavirus legislation and guidelines, and have had tragic consequences,” Sykes proceeds to outline the present strain put upon Manchester Police in the current lockdown.

#Statement from Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes in relation to the raves the took place in #Carrington and #Oldham last night…https://t.co/yxqWf2Gjlj pic.twitter.com/pvwQGrUKsv

— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) June 14, 2020

“The gatherings were carefully monitored by officers but, like all forces,” he said, “we needed to balance the present public health emergency and our overall demand with ongoing incidents.” He was disheartened, also, by the violence with which “officers attempting to engage with participants of this gathering were met,” adding that “this is absolutely not acceptable and will not be tolerated. Our officers are working incredibly hard to keep people safe and should never be met with inexcusable violence whilst carrying out their duties.”

The statement ends with the Assistant Constable’s assertion that “our top priority will always be the safety of the public, who we are here to serve and protect,” and that the coronavirus is still a threat.

During the Parklife Weekender in Manchester’s Heaton Park earlier this month a young man who was claimed to be protecting his girlfriend from being bothered by someone attacking her with a blow-up toy, was knocked unconscious in front of the main stage during on the Saturday.

Greater Manchester Police launched search for a man in his late 20’s, around 6ft tall with short, curly black hair in connection to the assault but have today arrested a man in his early thirties believed to be the attacker.

Robert Hart was 26 and sadly passed away four days later after suffering severe head injuries. A suspect of the attack is currently under arrest, however the Greater Manchester Police state “We now have a man in custody but that doesn’t mean the investigation is at an end. We are continuing to investigate and we are renewing our appeal for information or any relevant footage.”

The Manchester Evening News reports that nearly 50 CCTV cameras were active around the venue and the footage provided alongside help from both the public and the media has aided them in searching for the person responsible.

The Police are still investigating possible suspets and urge anyone with any footage or information to contact their incident room directly at 0161 85 69283 or by email via mit.syndicate8@gmp.police.uk

For more on the Parklife assault, click here