Manchester's Victorian Police force was not equipped to deal with the large outbreaks of violence caused by the Scuttlers.

Photo - Manchester Police Museum

Scuttling reached an all time high in 1890–1891, and by 1890 more youths were held in Strangeways Prison for scuttling than for any other offence.

An area of Manchester

Gang members fought with many brutal weapons, they all carried knives and wore heavy buckled belts. The thick leather belts were their favoured weapons and were wrapped tightly around the wrist when ready for a "scuttle", so the belt buckle would hit the rival gang members. The use of knives and belts was designed to maim and disfigure rather than to kill.

A man named Alexander Pearson

Arrested in 1892 for scuttling