Manchester riots: More arrests after GMP dawn raids

A series of police dawn raids at homes across Greater Manchester has resulted in a further 20 arrests in connection with the August riots.

The arrests in Bury, Salford and Manchester were made on suspicion of arson, violent disorder and looting.

Officers also recovered suspected stolen items and uncovered a large cannabis farm, police said.

Since the disorder more than 350 arrests have been made and more than 200 people have been through court.

Two other people were arrested during the raids for offences unconnected with the riots.

All are being held in custody for questioning.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said that it had trawled through thousands of hours of CCTV pictures to help with the identification of people suspected of being involved in the riots.

'Devastating impact'

It said that "tremendous support" from the public in helping to put names to images posted on the GM Flickr site had helped officers in the operation.

Assistant Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: "What today's action shows is that almost three months since the disorder, we are still relentlessly pursuing those suspected of being involved in the shameful actions we saw that day.

"We know from talking to our communities that what happened on 9 August continues to provoke feelings of anger and outrage.

"Many shopkeepers are rebuilding their livelihoods and people are still trying to come to terms with the violent and ugly scenes that the police and the public were faced with.

"Greater Manchester Police will continue to put out images of suspects and I would urge people to call us if they recognise someone."

Councillor Paul Murphy, Chairman of Greater Manchester Police Authority, said: "The disturbances of the 9 August had a devastating impact on local businesses.

"We have now received 399 claims for compensation under the Riot Damages Act which, along with £3.3m of policing costs, brings the total bill for the damage caused by these mindless thugs to approximately £9m."