Three Arrested as Manchester City Centre Protests Largely Peaceful
A series of demonstrations in Manchester city centre passed largely without incident on Saturday, with police confirming just three arrests following a day of coordinated protest activity.
A significant policing operation was in place throughout the day, with additional officers deployed and close coordination with partner agencies helping to ensure events ran smoothly. Several protests and counter-protests took place across the city centre, drawing a combined turnout of around 1,000 people—fewer than initially anticipated.
Greater Manchester Police said the overwhelming majority of those attending behaved responsibly, allowing officers to facilitate lawful protest while keeping disruption to a minimum.
Three arrests were made over the course of the day. These included two male counter-protesters—one on suspicion of breaching Section 60AA of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, relating to the removal of face coverings, and another on suspicion of assaulting a police officer. A woman was also arrested on suspicion of breaching the peace, though it remains unclear whether she was affiliated with either group.
Tensions briefly escalated when a group of counter-protesters attempted to breach police lines and reportedly threw punches. Officers responded by deploying PAVA spray as a preventative measure, avoiding the need for more forceful tactics.
Elsewhere, a small breakaway group of protesters moved along the side of the Town Hall, where officers encountered some resistance while attempting to separate them from opposing demonstrators. Limited force was used to restore order.
A Section 34 dispersal order remains in effect until 8pm, granting police the authority to direct individuals to leave the area if necessary.
Police have reiterated their commitment to balancing the right to peaceful protest with maintaining public safety, noting that the day’s events were handled with minimal disruption overall.
