‘We have tackled any issues that have faced us’
Police with fans at Heaton Park(Image: GMP)
Police made 12 arrests at the third Oasis homecoming at Heaton Park on Wednesday night (July 16), but said the huge mid-week gig ‘passed without any serious incidents’.
It brings the total number of arrests to 27 over the three nights.
In a statement, Greater Manchester Police said the 12 arrests were of men aged between 22 and 55. Four were held on suspicion of fraud; two for assault; two for possession of class A drugs, and one each for theft, drunk-and-disorderly, assault of an emergency services worker and a public order offence.
The final two Heaton Park concerts will be held this weekend. The first, and only, mid-week show for the band in Manchester had a reduced capacity of 50,000 compared to 80,000 at the weekend gigs.
An area close to the stage area at Heaton Park, affectionately named ‘Gallagher Hill’ by fans, became a hotspot for ticketless fans at the weekend. But those wanting to recreate their own renditions alongside restricted views of Liam and Noel through gaps in trees were told by Manchester Council to avoid the area completely if they didn’t have a ticket.
Oasis fans(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
Steel fencing was also erected in the large area within the cattle field in the main park, which is currently being developed as a new woodland area.
BE HERE NOW! Win last-minute Oasis tickets to the Heaton Park homecoming gigs by clicking HERE… and join our Oasis WhatsApp group while you’re at it HERE.
As with the previous two concerts, there was a Section 34 Dispersal Order in place throughout the evening. Police said it would be ‘re-assessed appropriately before the further concerts at the weekend’.
The order allows officers to direct individuals to leave a specified area and not return for a period of up to 48 hours to reduce anti-social behaviour and its impact on the local community.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Boyle said: “We are now three concerts into Oasis’ Manchester homecoming, and I am pleased that the overwhelming majority of people attending have enjoyed themselves sensibly and responsibly. Our officers have provided a continued high-visibility presence throughout the night, assisting our partners and event security in ensuring a smooth flow of operations, before, during, and after the concert.
There are two gigs to go(Image: Big Brother Recordings)
“We have tackled any issues that have faced us – seizing unauthorised drones, arresting those attempting to illegally enter the event, and working with colleagues in the ambulance service to help those in need.
“Our neighbourhood teams have engaged with those who live around the event to better understand any problems they have raised, and provide the appropriate solutions where they can.
“Ahead of the weekend, we advise all visitors to make sure they check all updates and information from ourselves and partners, including the Bee Network, Manchester City Council, and event organisers.
“If at any point you require assistance, do not hesitate to speak to an officer in attendance.”
For the latest stories and breaking news visit manchestereveningnews.co.uk. Get the latest headlines, features and analysis that matter to you by signing up to our various Manchester Evening News newsletters here.
You can also get all your favourite content from the Manchester Evening News on WhatsApp. Click here to stay up to date with the latest.Follow us on X @mennewsdesk for all the latest stories and updates on breaking incidents from across the region and beyond, as well as on our Facebook page here.If you prefer reading our stories on your phone, consider downloading the Manchester Evening News app here, and our newsdesk will make sure every time an essential story breaks, you’ll be the first to hear about it.