Police investigating anti Semitic chanting on a tram have released new images of two men that they wish to speak to.
The chanting took place at around 5:10pm on Saturday 21 January on the Etihad-bound tram from Piccadilly and involved a group of men who it is believed were heading for the football match between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur.
Mobile phone footage of the incident has been widely shared on social media and sparked outrage amongst the public due to its vile nature.
A 59-year-old man has been interviewed under caution and enquiries are ongoing.
Detective Inspector Rebecca Boyce of GMP’s City of Manchester team said: “While our enquiries are ongoing, we have identified two men who we want to speak to in connection with the incident.
“We take all reports of hate crime tremendously seriously and it is imperative that we follow all lines of enquiry to ensure the people involved in this frankly disgusting incident are brought to justice.
“The tirade of abuse that was chanted has immensely impacted not only the people at the match, but members of the wider society and we will do everything in our power to make it known that hate crime is absolutely unacceptable.
“If anyone recognises the men in the images, I’m strongly urging you to contact us at the earliest opportunity.”
A Manchester City Football Club spokesperson said: “Manchester City strongly condemns the use of any anti-Semitic language and we have been working, and continue to work closely, with GMP on this disturbing case.
“We encourage any City and Tottenham supporters who may have information about this matter to come forward and support the police’s enquiries.”
Sharon Bannister, the president of the Jewish Representative Council, said: “We appreciate the efforts of both GMP and MCFC in trying to identify the individuals involved.
“This sort of behaviour is unacceptable on the streets of Manchester.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 4275 or anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
