Riots have erupted in Salford after a large gang of youths set vehicles on fire and assaulted a police officer.

Between 50 and 60 people flocked to Lower Broughton Road at around 1.30pm this afternoon, using cars and wheelie bins to block off the road. 

Several vehicles, including a police car, were wrecked and at least one was set on fire. 

Pictures show the smouldering wreckage of one car, while several others have had their bodywork dented and windscreens smashed in. 

Videos shared on Facebook, supposedly from the scene, also show several masked youngsters launching projectiles at police officers and riding through the streets on dirt bikes.

Four arrests have been made while a female is charged with assault of an emergency worker following the disorder. 

A ‘dispersal order’ is currently in place for the area as officers deal with the ‘serious disorder’, police added. 

Greater Manchester Police said in a statement: ‘Officers are currently dealing with serious disorder on Lower Broughton Road in Salford and there is a dispersal order in place.

‘Behaviour of this nature will not be tolerated and we will respond accordingly.

‘We have made an arrest on suspicion of assaulting a police officer and one of our vehicles has been damaged.’

Images show one car completely absorbed in flames next to a tree on a grassy area next to a residential property. 

Huge plumes of smoke can be seen coming from the scene, with the incident believed to have kicked off earlier today. 

The windscreen of a police vehicles was also smashed during the disorder.

A 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of theft and public order, before a man in his 30s was detained on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly and possession of Class A drugs.

Two men aged 18 and 19 have been arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article.

A 16-year-old female – who cannot be named for legal reasons – has been charged with assaulting an emergency worker and has been bailed to appear at court at a future date.

Superintendent Marcus Noden said: ‘This sort of behaviour will not be tolerated and we took robust and appropriate action.

‘In response to this disorder we have dispatched a large number of officers to the scene, and we now have a dispersal order in place until 2pm tomorrow afternoon (Thursday 12 June 2025). A large number of officers will be remaining in the area over night as a precaution.

‘We are aware of speculation online that this incident is linked to immigration, this is categorically incorrect.

‘There are currently no ongoing incidents in the area, however, tensions remain heightened, and we have robust plans in place, should we need to respond to any further incidents.

‘I would also like to thank members of the public for their patience and support while we continue to deal with this incident.’