Concerns Raised Over Treatment of Media During Police Operation in Rochdale

Concerns have been raised following the treatment of members of the press during a recent police operation in Rochdale, after journalists who were invited to attend the operation say they were later treated in a manner they describe as unacceptable.

Operation AVRO in Rochdale | MTN

According to those present, Greater Manchester Police had invited members of the media to attend and observe the operation. However, journalists on scene report that despite being present by invitation, officers later approached members of the press, pushed them aside and searched them without any clear explanation. The incident has prompted criticism and questions about the relationship between police and the media, particularly given the important role journalists play in documenting policing activity and informing the public. Members of the press say they attended the operation in good faith after being invited to observe and report on events. However, they claim the situation quickly changed when officers on the ground began treating journalists in a manner that appeared more consistent with how suspects might be handled rather than accredited members of the media covering the event. Those present described the experience as both surprising and deeply concerning, stating that journalists who had been invited to attend felt they were treated “more like criminals than members of the press.” Journalists play a key role in ensuring transparency around policing operations and helping communicate information to the public. Maintaining a professional and respectful working relationship between police and the media has long been considered essential for maintaining trust and public confidence. However, incidents such as this risk undermining that relationship, particularly when members of the press feel they have been obstructed or treated unfairly while carrying out their work. Questions are now being raised about what protocols were followed during the incident, why journalists were searched despite attending by invitation, and whether the situation could have been handled differently. Greater Manchester Police has been approached for comment regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident. Follow Manchester Today on Facebook, and Instagram. Send your story ideas to Newsdesk@ManchesterToday.org.uk