A 23 year old man was stabbed on Exchange Quays last night as protests that have taken place over Syria spread
The victim is in a stable condition and no arrests have been made after 300 people attended an organised protest
It follows a second night of protests in Wimslow Road in Rusholme with three arrests on suspicion of affray, and one in connection with a breach of dispersal order.
A Section 60 authority will remain in place for the next 24 hours.
These powers, which allow officers to stop and search individuals without reasonable suspicion, are in place across Piccadilly Gardens and Market Street, plus Wilmslow Road from A57 to Platt Lane, including surrounding areas, to allow for any further peaceful protest, and to prevent any disorder the minority of individuals seek to provoke.
A large police presence will remain in the affected areas, and anyone intent on carrying on the disorder from the previous two days should expect to face firm enforcement.
Chief Superintendent David Meeney of the City of Manchester said: “Whilst we will always work to facilitate peaceful protests, we will act against those that engage in disorder and create disruption for our communities.
“We are taking preventative steps to ensure this disorder does not continue. Officers are engaging with local people and listening to their concerns, with additional patrols on the streets to make sure this type of criminality does not continue.
“The Section 60 powers are in place to assist us in doing just that, and have been expanded to other areas of the city for everyone’s safety.
“There is also a young man in hospital recovering from stab injuries, and we are appealing for anyone who witnessed this incident at Exchange Quay, or who has any footage or helpful information to come forward with this.
