Greater Manchester Police accused of ‘brutal’ response to dispersal

Deputy Chief Constable Rick Jackson said the force had received “intelligence” about anti-social behavior by groups on Manchester-bound trains and similar reports from the city center and a dispersal order had been issued.

“This included plans for officers to redirect arriving groups back home,” he said.

“Our priority is always to protect public safety by preventing incidents of violence and disorder.”

Shortly thereafter, officers responded to several disturbances in the city center and intervened in the event of arguments between groups, he added.

“We understand that there is a feeling of mistreatment and confusion among groups of people regarding yesterday’s rejection,” Jackson said.

“We are determined to address these concerns by working closely with the Mayor’s office to engage with communities in Manchester and beyond.”