Protests in Manchester ran safely with 11 arrests made during a busy afternoon in the city centre

Several demonstrations took place peacefully across central Manchester, with officers working closely with organisers to ensure people could protest safely and that wider disruption was kept to a minimum.

A significant policing operation was in place throughout the day (Saturday 21 February) with additional resources deployed and pre-prepared plans activated alongside partner agencies to help the day run smoothly.

A total of 11 people were arrested on suspicion of the following offences:

• Two men on suspicion of prevention of a breach of the peace
• Two men on suspicion of assaulting emergency workers
• Four men on suspicion of public order offences. One of these men was subsequently de-arrested and issued a summons.
• One man on suspicion of an offence relating to the Crime and Disorder Act. He was subsequently de-arrested and given a dispersal notice.
• One man on suspicion of assault
• One man on suspicion of breaching a dispersal notice

With two de-arrested, nine of the arrested men are in custody.

A section 34 dispersal order will remain in place until 8pm tonight, allowing officers to direct people to leave the area.

Assistant Chief Constable Rick Jackson, gold commander for today's policing operation said: “Manchester was expected to be extremely busy today, with multiple planned protests in the city centre as well as several football matches.

“We put 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.

“Greater Manchester is a place where people can confidently and lawfully express their views, while ensuring that residents, workers, and visitors can go about their day feeling safe.”