Bolton Interchange large-scale disturbance – extra powers for police

Greater Manchester Police authorised a section 60 authority for Bolton town centre today (Tuesday, March 3), which grants them extra powers to stop and search.

This follows reports of a large-scale disturbance between groups of 30 or more individuals at Bolton interchange yesterday.

Alyas Majid, 18, has since been arrested and charged with possession of a bladed article in public following the incident in which police believe a number of people were assaulted.

Majid, of Westleigh Lane in Leigh, is due to appear at Wigan and Leigh Magistrates Court on May 6, 2026.

Chief Inspector John Haywood from GMP’s Bolton district said: “Incidents such as this can be concerning for the local community, but I would like to reassure those who live and work in the area that we are fully committed to tackling violent crime and keeping our streets safe.

“The Section 60 authority has been put in place to give our officers enhanced powers to stop and search individuals in the area, helping us to prevent further violence and identify those responsible.

“We have already charged an 18-year-old man overnight and my officers have been working hard throughout the day to identify further suspects.

“Extra patrol officers have also been deployed around the local area both on foot and in patrol cars.”

The Section 60 will be effective in the following areas;

• Boundries
• Topp Way
• Bury New Road
• Bradford Street
• Manchester Road
• Lever Street
• Fletcher Street
• College Way
• Major Street
• Spa Road
• Marsden Road

Police will be given extra powers to stop and search within the highlighted area (Image: GMP)

The Section 60 powers come under the 1994 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act and will run for 24 hours.

Having been authorised at 4pm on Tuesday 3 March 2026, it is set to expire at 4pm on Wednesday 4 March 2026.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact us on 101, quoting log number 1234 of 03/03/2026.

Information can also be reported online or by using the LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk.

If you can’t report online, or to 101, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.