Traveller girl, 13, ‘forced onto train’ by police and left 100 miles from mum

Traveller 13-year-old ‘forced onto train’ by police and left 100 miles from mum

A teenager from the traveller community was left distressed after being escorted onto a train by police with other youngsters, according to her mother. The 13-year-old girl, along with her 15-year-old brother, were amongst a group of youths directed onto trains at Victoria railway station as part of a dispersal order to prevent disturbances in Manchester city centre. Subsequently, the siblings found themselves in Grimsby, 100 miles away from their mother, who expressed how traumatized her daughter was by the experience. The mother, who chose to remain anonymous, recounted how her daughter called her in tears and confusion as she was being ushered onto the train. The family had travelled from Doncaster earlier that day.

The Greater Manchester Police have defended their actions amidst backlash from parents of the children involved. The mother shared how she rushed to the Trafford Centre to be near her kids, only for her daughter to call in distress about being pushed onto the train without knowing its destination. The siblings only discovered they were headed to Grimsby during the journey. They eventually returned to Doncaster, where their mother picked them up around 9 pm that evening. Parents of the children have criticised the police for their handling of the situation, expressing dismay at the treatment of innocent youths from the traveller community.

Following this incident, senior officers from Greater Manchester Police have pledged to address the concerns raised by parents within the traveller communities. The police issued a dispersal order due to reports of anti-social behaviour and disturbances in the city centre. The Traveller Movement, a national charity, condemned the police’s actions as heavy-handed and discriminatory, calling the situation shocking and completely unacceptable. Assistant Chief Constable Rick Jackson of GMP acknowledged the sentiments from the affected communities and vowed to engage with them to address their concerns in collaboration with the Mayor’s office.

The dispersal order signed on Saturday gave police additional powers to manage groups causing disturbances and direct them to leave the city. Superintendent Phil Spurgeon of GMP specified the order was issued in response to rising reports of anti-social behaviour and criminal activity, aimed at safeguarding public safety over the weekend. The police presence was augmented across Greater Manchester to ensure the smooth running of operations and to address any concerns promptly. Authorities urged the public to report any suspicious activities and assured residents of enhanced safety measures during the heightened footfall in the city centre.

The actions of the police have sparked debates on social media, with contrasting opinions on the necessity and effectiveness of the dispersal order. While law enforcement agencies stress the priority of public safety and the prevention of disorder, community members and advocacy groups insist on the fair and respectful treatment of all individuals, regardless of background or ethnicity. As discussions continue regarding the incident, the spotlight remains on the importance of transparent communication, accountability, and inclusive engagement to foster trust and understanding between law enforcement and diverse communities.

Insights:
The incident involving the traveller teenagers being forced onto a train by police highlights the complexities and challenges faced by law enforcement in maintaining public order while respecting individual rights and dignity. The response from Greater Manchester Police underscores the delicate balance between security measures and community relations, calling for open dialogue and constructive actions to address grievances and build trust. As discussions evolve on policing practices and social inclusion, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration between authorities and diverse communities emerges as a crucial element in promoting harmonious coexistence and effective law enforcement strategies.