T
en More people were arrested following a protest before a football match in Manchester that injured several police officers.
The Liverpool-Manchester United game earlier this year had to be postponed after torches were released and objects were thrown during a demonstration against the Red Devils owners, the Glazer family.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said recent arrests increased the total number of arrests related to the violent disorder and protests prior to the May 2nd tie to 18.
More than 1,000 protesters gathered at Old Trafford that afternoon and 200 separately at the Lowry Hotel in Salford. GMP said it was aware of the planned protest and was working to ensure the demonstration was peaceful.
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However, protesters managed to break into the field and torches were released, with bottles and barriers being thrown at officers and horses, injuring several officers.
Detectives have spent months following multiple inquiries and reviewing hundreds of hours of CCTV footage to identify the individuals involved, GMP said.
In an update on Wednesday, police said that in the Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Cheshire areas, arrest warrants were being carried out and 10 men between the ages of 20 and 51 were arrested on suspicion of violent disturbance and burglary.
Of the total of 18 arrested, five were charged, the police added.
The violence and disruptions in May, particularly against the police, were totally unacceptable and unnecessary.
GMP has also released pictures of 36 men they want to speak to in connection with the protests and appeals to anyone who recognizes them to contact the police.
Detective Inspector Andy Fallows of GMP’s Major Incident Team said: “The violence and disruption in May, particularly against the police, was totally unacceptable and unnecessary.
“Our team has been working day in and day out since May to ensure that everyone involved is identified and that they face the consequences of their actions. Today’s arrests are an important step in our commitment.
“We also post pictures of men we’d like to speak to, and I’m confident that there are people out there who can give us credible information that will help us identify them.
“If you have any information or footage that might support our inquiries, please contact us as soon as possible.”
