Nine arrested during Britain First march and counter-protests in Manchester
Officers with riot gear were deployed to the city centre on Saturday
Police have arrested nine men during a Britain First protest and a series of counter-demonstrations in Manchester city centre.
Extra officers - including dog and mounted patrols - were deployed on Saturday. However, officers said that the demonstrations ran safely and took place peacefully.
Initially, 11 people were arrested, before two were de-arrested.
Those detained were held on suspicion of the following offences:
- Two men on suspicion of prevention of a breach of the peace
- Two men on suspicion of assaulting emergency workers
- Four men on suspicion of public order offences. One of these men was subsequently de-arrested and issued a summons.
- One man on suspicion of an offence relating to the Crime and Disorder Act. He was subsequently de-arrested and given a dispersal notice.
- One man on suspicion of assault
- One man on suspicion of breaching a dispersal notice
A section 34 dispersal order was in place until 8pm on Saturday. This allowed officers to move people away from the area.
Assistant Chief Constable Rick Jackson said: “Manchester was expected to be extremely busy today, with multiple planned protests in the city centre as well as several football matches.
“We put extra officers on duty to support people’s right to protest peacefully while reducing the impact on the wider public.
“Thanks to the efforts of our officers on the ground and the planning done with our partners, hundreds of people from a range of groups were able to come together safely, with no significant issues reported.
“Greater Manchester is a place where people can confidently and lawfully express their views, while ensuring that residents, workers, and visitors can go about their day feeling safe.”