Around 1,000 protestors and counter protestors brought chaos to Manchester City Centre this afternoon with tram services disrupted and shoppers forced to flee
Police say though that the vast majority of both sides caused no issues for our officers.
Force was required when counter-protesters had tried to break police lines and attempted to throw punches.
PAVA spray was deployed as a tactic instead of using further additional force.
A small breakaway group of protesters had made their way down the side of the Town Hall.
Officers were later met with resistance as they moved them away from the nearby counter group and some force was required.
Three people were arrested includingOne male counter protestor on suspicion of breaching Section 60AA of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, which allowed officers to require the removal of face coverings.
A second counter protestor was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer and one woman was arrested on suspicion of breaching the peace. It is unknown if she was part of either group.
Assistant Chief Constable Rick Jackson said: “We had 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.
“I hope the work of our officers and partners meant that the general public were able to enjoy their day in Manchester city centre without significant disruption, and I thank them for their cooperation and patience.”
