Rochdale town centre was partially closed off on the evening of Thursday 23 July after a significant police presence erected a cordon and multiple response vehicles were seen at the scene.
What we know so far
Officers sealed an area between The Butts Avenue and South Parade, with images shared on social media showing several marked police vehicles and officers guarding the perimeter. The nature of the incident has not been confirmed by Greater Manchester Police (GMP), which had not issued a statement at the time of publication.
“serious incident”
Local residents and posts circulating online have suggested a stabbing may have taken place, but those reports remain unverified. Journalists have approached GMP for comment and are awaiting a response.
Impact on the town centre
Shops, pedestrians and passing traffic in the immediate vicinity were affected while officers worked at the scene. The cordon covered a sizeable stretch linking the central shopping area to nearby thoroughfares, causing disruption during the evening period.
- Location cordoned: between The Butts Avenue and South Parade
- Reported time: Thursday evening, 23 July
- Official comment: none issued by GMP at time of reporting
People with information about the incident or anyone who witnessed events in the area are encouraged to contact police when an appeal is issued. In incidents of this nature GMP typically asks witnesses to preserve any footage and pass it to investigators.
What to do if you were affected
If you were in the cordoned area and need assistance, consider the following:
- Check for any local road closures before travelling through the town centre.
- Contact local shops or employers to let them know if you are delayed.
- Preserve any phone footage or images and be prepared to share them with police if requested.
| Detail | Known information |
|---|---|
| Area affected | The Butts Avenue to South Parade |
| Police response | Multiple vehicles; officers at cordon |
| Confirmed incident type | Not yet confirmed by GMP |
InfoRadar will update this report once Greater Manchester Police provides official information or issues a public appeal. Journalists at the scene and local officers are continuing enquiries.
