China has removed six diplomats from the U.K. following the incident two months ago at the Chinese Consulate in Manchester in which it was alleged protesters were dragged into the compound and beaten
The group that are leaving the country include,consul-general Zheng Xiyuan, who denied beating a protester.
Mr Zheng, who was effectively in charge of China’s Manchester outpost, denied attacking Mr Chan after he was identified in photographs, and accused of doing so by a senior Conservative MP.
Announcing the move in Parliament Foreign Secretary Cleverly said the removal of the officials, including the consul general in Manchester, came after a police request to interview them over the incident.
“I am disappointed that these individuals will not be interviewed or face justice,” Cleverly said in a written statement.
Greater Manchester Police in a statement say GMP has liaised closely with the Home Office and other departments in Government throughout this investigation and is aware of the latest update issued in Parliament this afternoon (14 December 2022).
GMP is continuing its investigation and will continue to work closely with partners, including those in Government, to understand the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes said: “GMP’s Major Incident Team is continuing its investigation into the events leading up to this incident.
“They have also successfully identified a number of offences including numerous assaults and public order offences as well as potential suspects and victims that we would like to speak to in connection with the incident.
“No arrests have yet been made but our enquiries will continue for as long as necessary with support from partners.”
