Manchester witnessed a series of violent disturbances this week, as clashes erupted between groups of Syrian and Kurdish heritage, resulting in a stabbing, widespread vandalism, and several arrests. The unrest unfolded over two consecutive nights, centred around the city's iconic Curry Mile in Rusholme, with police deploying special powers to restore order.
Escalating Tensions Lead to Public Disorder
The initial disorder broke out on Tuesday following a protest in the Rusholme area, which was largely peaceful but connected to ongoing conflicts in Syria between the government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Greater Manchester Police responded by implementing a Section 34 dispersal order, granting officers authority to direct individuals to leave the area to prevent further trouble.
Second Night of Protests Turns Violent
On Wednesday, around 300 people gathered for a peaceful protest at Exchange Quay. However, the event took a violent turn when a 23-year-old man was stabbed and required hospitalisation. Fortunately, his injuries were not life-threatening. Police confirmed that no arrests have been made in connection with this specific incident as of yet.
Simultaneously, further disorder erupted elsewhere in the city. Footage circulating on social media from around 11pm on Wilmslow Road showed large crowds of young men smashing car windows and vandalising business premises. Local residents and business owners expressed shock at the sudden outbreak of violence.
Business Owners Describe Chaotic Scenes
One local businessman recounted how a group attempted to smash the windows of his premises, forcing him to take emergency measures. A staff member inside Chandni Jewellers described the scene as "crazy" and "swarms of people about", noting they had to quickly drop security shutters for protection. The employee suggested the tensions likely stemmed from events in the Middle East, but expressed surprise at seeing such disorder manifest locally.
Police Response and Arrests
In response to the escalating situation, Greater Manchester Police enacted both Section 60 and Section 34 orders across affected areas. These measures provided officers with enhanced powers to stop and search individuals, as well as to order people to leave designated zones or face arrest.
During the course of Wednesday's events, three people were arrested on suspicion of affray. Additionally, one arrest was made in connection with a breach of the Section 34 order following an evening gathering of approximately 40 people. In total, at least four individuals were detained by authorities over the two nights of disturbances.
Political Reaction and Misinformation
The violent scenes prompted reaction from political figures, including former Conservative MP turned Reform member Nadhim Zahawi, who took to social media to condemn the disorder. However, his post shared a tweet containing misleading information that falsely claimed six people had been stabbed in Manchester. The incident referenced actually occurred in Antwerp, Belgium, where six individuals were knifed at a Kurdish demonstration.
In his statement, Zahawi asserted that "our streets have been taken over" and described the situation as a national emergency, calling for swift and firm action against those engaging in violent behaviour.
Background to the Conflict
The protests in Manchester are connected to complex geopolitical tensions in Syria, which is recovering from a prolonged civil war. The conflict eventually saw long-serving dictator Bashar Al-Assad flee the country in late 2024. Rebels led by Ahmed Al-Sharaa, a former jihadist who now serves as president, seized control of Damascus and have been working to consolidate power nationwide.
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), predominantly composed of Syria's Kurdish community, gained control of northeastern regions during the conflict. These ongoing tensions appear to have spilled over into diaspora communities in Manchester, manifesting as street-level confrontations.
Police Commitment to Community Safety
Chief Superintendent David Meeney of the City of Manchester emphasised the police force's dual approach: "Whilst we will always work to facilitate peaceful protests, we will act against those that engage in disorder and create disruption for our communities."
He outlined preventive measures being implemented, including additional patrols and engagement with local residents to address concerns. The expanded Section 60 and 34 powers have been extended to other areas of the city as a precautionary safety measure.
Authorities continue to investigate the stabbing incident at Exchange Quay and have appealed for witnesses or anyone with footage or information to come forward. Information can be submitted to Salford CID or anonymously via Crimestoppers.
