Homes that have been threatened with violence in Oldham after video footage of a brutal gang attack went viral over the weekend have been given extra protection by the fire service.

A handful of homes in Oldham have been threatened with arson in connection to the disturbing footage which saw a young male viciously attacked in an almost five-minute-long video.

Teams from Greater Manchester Fire Rescue Service (GMFRS) were called out to five homes in the borough last night (Monday, July 4) for welfare checks after Greater Manchester Police (GMP) identified them as at risk of attack.

Fire crews ensured the homes that have been threatened with arson now have smoke alarms fitted and steel plate letterbox covers. 

Crew manager at Hollins fire station, Damian Bridge, explained that the letterbox covers ensure "people can't post petrol or fireworks through the letterbox".

The Oldham Times: Video footage showed GMP were at the scene. Image by Oldham Bantz.Video footage showed GMP were at the scene. Image by Oldham Bantz.

The extra precaution comes after a second video surfaced online over the weekend which appeared to show some locals retaliating to the disturbing footage.

The video shows crowds gathered in the streets at an address late on Saturday evening (July 2) near where the attack took place.

People are seen kicking doors and attacking properties on the street.

The footage then reveals GMP attended the scene.

Locals claimed at a meet-up on Sunday that it was the community that led police to the doors of the suspects.

However, local community activist, Nanu Miah, appealed to Oldhamers to remain calm and not to "take matters into our own hands" at the gathering.

Deputy leader of Oldham Council, Abdul Jabbar, said: "This is an extremely serious matter and we - the council and the police - will find the perpetrators.

"Are we outraged by what happened? Absolutely.

"Do we want to stop this kind of happening again? Absolutely.

"Will the police find these people? Absolutely.

"But here's the thing, please be calm.

"We will go after these people and we will bring them to justice, but you need to give the police the chance to do that work.

"When there is a live investigation, a lot of information can't be shared."

The Oldham Times: Large crowds were seen kicking doors and gathering in the street after learning about the vicious assault. Image by Oldham Bantz.Large crowds were seen kicking doors and gathering in the street after learning about the vicious assault. Image by Oldham Bantz.

Cllr Jabbar also said that there is a community surgery with GMP every two weeks for those concerned about law and order in the borough.

"But sadly not many people come", he added.

Locals at the meet-up were angry about why the police were slow to react to the attack which took place on June 21.

Inspector Alan Sanders from GMP Oldham apologised for the police's perceived slow approach.

He said: "We know things now, following the events of yesterday, that we didn't know on the 21st which has changed the urgency and risk.

"We've quite rightly stepped up our investigation."

Three arrests have since been made in connection to the attack and enquiries are ongoing.