Detectives investigating violent disorder at Old Trafford want to speak to these 36 men

Today (Wednesday 17 November 2021) detectives have released images of 36 men they are looking to speak with in connection with violent disorder and protests before the Manchester United v Liverpool match scheduled at Old Trafford football ground on Sunday 2 May 2021. 

Police were aware of a planned protest at Old Trafford and worked closely alongside partners to ensure those that attended were kept safe whilst enabling their right to peaceful protest.

By late afternoon in excess of 1,000 protesters had gathered at Old Trafford and 200 separately at the Lowry Hotel in Salford. Officers continued to monitor the situation but the situation began to grow in hostility and protestors managed to break onto the pitch.

Multiple GMP officers were left with injuries after flares were let off and bottles and barriers were thrown at police officers and horses.

A full investigation was launched and detectives have spent months following multiple lines of enquiry and reviewing hundreds of hours of CCTV footage to identify the many individuals involved.

Earlier this morning (17 November) officers executed warrants across Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Cheshire and arrested 10 men on suspicion of violent disorder and burglary. They remain in custody for questioning. 

To date, 18 people have been arrested and 5 of those have been charged.

Detectives are also now in a position to release images of 36 men they would like to speak to in connection with the protests and are appealing for anyone who may recognise any individual to get in touch with police.

Detective Inspector Andy Fallows of GMP's Major Incident Team, said: "The violence and disruption back in May, particularly towards the police, was completely unacceptable and unnecessary.

"Our team have been working day in day out since May to ensure all those involved are identified and face up to the consequences of their actions. Today's arrests are a significant step forward in our commitment to do so.

"We're also releasing images of men we're keen to speak to and I am confident that there are people out there who will be able to provide us with credible information that will help us to identify them. If you have any information, or footage, that could assist our enquiries then please get in touch as soon as possible."

Anyone with information - or video footage - should contact police on 0161 856 8732 quoting incident number 955 of 02/05/21.

Video and information can also be submitted to GMP's Major Incident Public Portal at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP21M13-PO1.