Extra police to patrol Sale this weekend in a bid to find gang responsible for attacks on children

Extra police will be patrolling Sale this weekend as GMP search for a gang who have been terrorizing the South Trafford area in the last few weeks.

They are believed to be responsible for three attacks in Hale, Altrincham and Timperley and many unreported attacks in Sale and Urmston areas.

A letter sent out to parents from Ashton-on-Mersey School says:“Please be aware that there is a large group of young people who are targeting other young people in the area in an intimidating and threatening manner

“This is happening in various locations in the Altrincham, Timperley, Sale and Urmston area such as at bus stations, parks and tram stations.”

Altrincham Grammar School  for Girls, Altrincham College, Wellington School and Heyes Lane School in Timperley issued similar alerts.

Officers launched an investigation into a robbery in Hale town centre on Saturday, January 6, an assault in John Leigh Park, Altrincham, on Monday, January 8, and an assault on a bus in Altrincham on Tuesday, January 9, but so far no arrests have been made.

More than 2,000 people have joined the Facebook group ‘keep our children safe Altrincham/surrounding areas’ set up last week with many parents reporting a number attacks on their children.

There will be extra patrols on trams running through Sale and Altrincham as part of the Travel Safe – a joint operation between GMP and Metrolink.

A GMP spokesman said :“This weekend officers will be out and about with community workers engaging with youths in the area.

“The investigation into the incidents reported to GMP is ongoing.”   Anyone with information about the incidents is urged to contact Trafford South Neighbourhood Policing Team by calling 0161 856 7530 or e-mailing traffordsouth@gmp.police.uk.