Police snipers spotted on Manchester rooftops during anti-austerity march at Conservative conference
Police snipers have been seen on Manchester rooftops during the Conservative Party conference.
As tens of thousands marched in an anti-austerity protest in the city centre, pictures showing police marksmen on buildings circulated on social media.
Greater Manchester Police defended the use of the marksmen, saying they were there "purely for observation".
However, the force was widely criticised on social media, with many suggesting the decision to deploy the snipers was excessive and "worrying".
A Greater Manchester Police (GMP) spokesperson told the Manchester Evening News:
ITV News has approached GMP for comment.