Safety arches were set up to detect weapons being carried by people

 

A crackdown on drink-fuelled violence across Greater Manchester has seen 395 people arrested after a 24-hour blitz by police.

 

Operation Portcullis started early on Friday with a series of raids aimed at tracking down those suspected of drink-fuelled crime. Throughout the night officers said they "locked down" Manchester city centre to stop people carrying weapons.

 

Two "cannabis farms" and a shotgun with 50 live cartridges were found. Two men were arrested on suspicion of rape, and more than 40 young people were referred to youth agencies. Thirty-eight people have appeared in court. A "lock down" in police terms is when officers control where people can go in a certain area in response to a specific risk, hazard or threat. Officers also visited pubs and clubs to ensure owners were adhering to licensing agreements.

 

Terry Sweeney, Assistant Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, said: "Violent crime is something that people always tell us they want tackling so it was important we made this operation a success. Thousands of people flock to Manchester every weekend and the vast majority want to have a good time without fear of becoming a victim of crime. We are not here to stop people having fun but the message is clear that if you do go out, have too many drinks and get involved with violent crime then you will be brought to justice."

 

Operation Portcullis involved a range of agencies, including Manchester City Council, Greater Manchester Public Health Network and British Transport Police.

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/8525873.stm

Only 395 arrests? That beerly scratches the surface!:rolleyes: