Human rights lawyers have been instructed to take legal action against Greater Manchester Police (GMP) following allegations that Romani Gypsy and Irish Traveller children were forcibly removed from Manchester’s Christmas markets and made to board trains.
The Traveller Movement, a national charity, has engaged Ryan Bradshaw, a human rights partner at Leigh Day, to file a formal complaint against GMP.
The allegations include false imprisonment, negligence, excessive use of force, safeguarding failures, and potential breaches of the Equality Act, the European Convention on Human Rights, and the Human Rights Act.
Charity Condemns “Appalling Treatment”
Yvonne MacNamara, Chief Executive of the Traveller Movement, expressed outrage over the incident:
“The treatment of Romani Gypsies and Irish Traveller children in this incident is nothing short of appalling.
These children were not only excluded from enjoying Christmas festivities but were also humiliated, manhandled, and denied basic respect and safeguarding by the very authorities responsible for protecting them.”
The events, which occurred last month, gained widespread attention after social media footage showed young people being herded onto trains at Manchester Victoria station. In one clip, a boy can be heard shouting, “I don’t know where I’m going.”
A parent later revealed that her children ended up over 100 miles away in Grimsby. Another parent described how her two sons, aged 10 and 13, were traumatised by the incident:
“My 13-year-old was manhandled, shouted at, and forced onto a train to an unattended destination, despite our pleas for his safety. My 10-year-old was stopped and searched on baseless suspicion of carrying a weapon – targeted purely because of his heritage.”
Allegations of Racial Profiling
The Traveller Movement alleges that the children were unlawfully targeted and subjected to racial profiling. Bradshaw said:
“The alleged actions taken by GMP are deeply troubling. Young children heading to Christmas markets were treated as though they were football hooligans. Safeguarding responsibilities must be upheld for all young people, regardless of their ethnicity or heritage. This incident represents a serious failure. An independent inquiry is essential to learn lessons and rebuild trust.”
Police Response
GMP acknowledged the concerns raised by the Traveller Movement and stated that its professional standards directorate is reviewing the complaints.
A spokesperson said: “Just under two weeks ago, we met with representatives from the Romani Gypsy and Irish Traveller community, including the Traveller Movement, to address concerns about the events of 23 November 2024. This meeting was constructive, and we expressed regret for the distress caused. We are committed to working more closely with community representatives moving forward.”
The incident has sparked calls for a thorough independent investigation to ensure accountability and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
