A FREE pop concert in Heaton Park on Sunday, June 22, was not cut short because of a riot, according to police.

And the chief policeman for the area has hit out at reports of riots at the "Party in the Park" organised by a local radio station. The concert was halted, he says, because of danger to young children caused by the number of people attending.

Supt Alan Green, of Crumpsall Police, said: "There was some fighting from a group of no more than ten to a dozen youths, but that was not the main factor in our decision to close the concert an hour early.

"The major problem was the size of the crowd which was pressing forward towards the stage and causing danger and distress to the many children in the audience.

"We felt there was a very real danger of injury and therefore took the decision to stop the concert after discussions with council officers and health and safety officials at the scene."

Supt Green added: "It is true there was a small fight near to the stage but there were no arrests and no injuries reported.

"I shall be looking for an early meeting with the council to discuss the problems involved in managing future events but there was no riot." However, one resident who lives opposite the Park on Sheepfoot Lane but asked not to be identified, said: "Our lives were disrupted in 1991 and we asked the council not to run any more festivals.

"They ran the anti-racist concert a few weeks ago without even asking us, and now this has happened. With thousands of people roaming around the place and cars everywhere we felt like prisoners in our own homes.

"One of my neighbours is even talking about trying to get a court injunction against any more events like this."

Meanwhile, Manchester City Council officials have promised a full investigation into the fighting which broke out.

A council spokesman said: "Many hundreds of people were enjoying themselves before the unfortunate events brought things to a premature close.

"The council will not be blackmailed into cancelling such events but it could be that better security will be in force in the future.

"The anti-racist concert was marshalled by members of a trades union and no-one had any problems."

The spokesman added that local residents have the opportunity of contacting their local councillor if they have any views on future events.

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