Police investigating an attack on two mums and their children have made two arrests.
At around 2.10pm on Monday 20 August 2018 police received a report that two men had attacked and abused two women and their young children, a three year-old girl, a five month old baby in a pram and a ten-year-old girl in a wheelchair with severe disabilities.
The mums had gone into Manchester city centre with their children on a day out when two men began shouting abuse at the 10-year-old girl outside Boots on Market Street under the Arndale food court.
Incredibly distressed by what had just happened to all of them, the mums retreated to McDonald’s in St Anns Square to calm the children down. Unfortunately the men arrived at the restaurant shortly after.
The men brazenly sat themselves next to their victims and again began abusing the little girl in the wheelchair, shouting derogatory comments and threatening violence.
As the girl became increasingly upset, her mum stood up to confront the men about their behaviour. She was then punched in the face by one of them leading to a scuffle between the two men and the mums.
A drink was then thrown at the little girl but ended up covering all of the children including the baby, and one of the mums.
Two men – aged 27 and 28 – from Stockport have been arrested on suspicion of assault and committing a hate-motivated public order offence (Section 4a).
They are currently in custody and will be questioned by officers.
It follows an earlier public appeal for information.
Police Constable Dave Stebbings from GMP’s Manchester city centre team said: “Occasionally, we receive reports that make you sick to the stomach.
“How anyone could attack and abuse young children and their mums on a day out, I have no idea.
“During the commotion the 10-year-old girl ended up hiding under a table shaking, extremely distressed by the abuse and assault on her mother. It breaks your heart thinking about this.
“I would like to hear from anyone who recognises the men in the images to get in touch. I also hope to hear from anyone who witnessed these abhorrent assaults.
“Thankfully the injuries sustained will leave no visible scars, but the mums and their children will take much longer to recover from the trauma of their experience.
“There is no place for this appalling behaviour in society.”
Manchester City Centre Inspector Jon Middleton, said: “Following an appeal for information just several hours ago, we now have two men in custody.
“We have had an overwhelming response from the public and I want to thank every single person who has contacted police with information.
“What happened to these women and their children is utterly despicable. No one should ever be treated like this and we will continue to make Manchester a safe and enjoyable city to live in and visit.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 3221, alternatively call GMP on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
