Police chief praises Olympic fans in Manchester

A police chief in Greater Manchester has sung the praises of Olympic football fans and all his staff.

Assistant Chief Constable Terry Sweeney of Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said it had been "fantastic" to see such a "good-natured atmosphere" at Manchester United's Old Trafford ground where some of the Olympic football matches have been played.

Mr Sweeney, who is the force's Olympics Gold Commander, said "countless photographs" of police helmets on young children stood next to his "smiling officers and staff and beaming parents" had for him encapsulated the "very spirit" of the 2012 Olympics.

He said he "could not be more proud" of his officers and staff.

He added: "Greater Manchester Police has been extremely proud to play its part in hosting a safe and successful Olympic Games.

"Nine football matches have been held here at Old Trafford over the last seven days and we have welcomed more than 400,000 fans from all over the world through the turnstiles.

"Every game has passed peacefully and without incident and it has been fantastic to see such a good-natured atmosphere inside the ground as fans really embraced the spirit of 2012 Olympics Games.

"The safety of the hundreds of thousands of fans who have come to Manchester has always been Greater Manchester Police's priority and we have been meticulously planning for this momentous occasion for the past two years.

"Undoubtedly this has created challenges for the entire force, but I am extremely proud of the commitment, enthusiasm and professionalism of every officer who has played their part in helping to make this such a safe and secure event and acted as ambassadors not just for GMP, but for the entire country.

"The response from the public has been absolutely overwhelming and it is right we should praise all those who attended events here in Manchester and behaved impeccably."