Six Arrested After Britain First March and Counter-Protests Disrupt Manchester

Six arrests were made after a Britain First march and counter protests caused significant disruption in Manchester city centre. Police enforced a dispersal order and deployed extra officers to maintain safety during multiple events.

Arrests Following Britain First March and Protests

Six individuals were arrested after a Britain First march and counter protests caused significant disruption across Manchester city centre.

The arrests were related to an assault on an emergency worker, a public order offence, breach of the peace, and breach of a dispersal notice, according to Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

The police implemented a dispersal order across the city centre earlier in the day, set to remain in effect until 20:00 GMT. This order grants officers the authority to remove people from designated areas.

EPA/Shutterstock A police officer is on a police horse which has a protective clear shield over its eyes in a city centre street. Around two other police officers are on horseback behind and multiple police officers are wearing helmets. A crowd of people waving union jack flags can be seen on the left hand side. — A dispersal order remains in place in the city centre until 20:00 GMT

Police Response and Safety Measures

Assistant Chief Constable Rick Jackson stated that police deployed 50 additional officers, alongside mounted and dog units, to ensure the protests remained safe and respectful for all participants.

"We will continue working with local communities, businesses and partner organisations to ensure these protests remain safe and respectful for those involved."

He also noted that there were significant disruptions throughout the city centre and that the safety of the public was the officers' priority.

A man is lying down on the pavement with a black rucksack behind him. He is surrounded by police officers wearing helmets — Police were out in force to manage the march and counter protests

Details of the March and Counter-Demonstrations

The march, organised by the far-right group Britain First, saw participants gather outside Piccadilly station. Counter-demonstrations took place in various locations within the city centre.

Photographs from the event showed participants from both the Britain First march and counter protesters confronting lines of police officers equipped with riot gear.

Dispersal Order Explained

Chief Superintendent Danny O'Neil explained that the dispersal order empowers police to remove individuals from a specified area for up to 48 hours. The measure aims to prevent anti-social behaviour, crime, harassment, alarm, or distress.

The dispersal order was introduced due to multiple protests and marches scheduled for Saturday, as well as the Manchester City versus Newcastle United football match taking place at the Etihad Stadium.

EPA/Shutterstock Two people are lying down on a pavement outside a coffee shop while surrounded by police officers wearing helmets. — A police dispersal order has been in place since 10:00 GMT

Additional Information

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