Man arrested after police officers injured in Manchester United protests

  • Granada
Fans broke into the Old Trafford stadium ahead of the game on Sunday

A 28-year-old man has been arrested after six police officers were injured in violent clashes during a protest by Manchester United fans ahead of a match against Liverpool.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said one officer sustained a fractured eye socket and another a facial wound when bottles, cans and barriers were thrown at them at Old Trafford.

The force did not say what offence the man had been arrested on suspicion of, but added it was "reviewing all obtainable evidence" to identify the organisers of the demonstration and those responsible for assaulting officers.

Fans broke into the Old Trafford stadium ahead of the game on Sunday and invaded the pitch, in a protest against the Glazer family Credit: PA

Meanwhile a Greater Manchester Police officer who sustained a significant slash wound to his face after being attacked by protestors at Old Trafford is incredibly lucky not to have lost the sight in his eye, say the Police Federation.

Stu Berry, Chairman of Greater Manchester Police Federation, has spoken to his injured colleague today (Monday) and the officer remains angry about the life-changing injuries he received at the demonstration at Manchester United’s ground yesterday.

The injured officer – who the Federation are not naming - is a PC with around 20 years’ service. The officer remains in lots of pain and will now have an extended spell off work.

Stu, who has worked with the officer in the past on a number of operations, said: “Our brave colleague went to work yesterday to keep the people of Greater Manchester safe – and he ended up coming under attack. He is incredibly lucky not to have lost the sight in an eye.

He said today he had also spoken to Acting Chief Constable Ian Pilling expressing the Federation’s concerns about the injury to the officer – and another colleague who was injured at the protest - and seeking reassurance that colleagues in future will be adequately protected.

Fans broke into the Old Trafford stadium ahead of the game on Sunday and invaded the pitch, in a protest against the Glazer family.

“Nothing is more important that the safety of our police officers,” added Stu. “We are incredibly experienced in Greater Manchester Police at facilitating peaceful protest but lessons from Old Trafford must be learned.

“I am pleased to say I have a commitment from Acting Chief Constable Ian Pilling to fully review intelligence received and resources allocated around yesterday’s incident - and we wait for the outcome of that review.”

He said the Federation – which represents more than 7,000 officers in Greater Manchester - believes a wider public debate is now needed around the kit operational police officers wear at such protests. And that any perceived fears over poor public perception of how police officers may look must come secondary to police officer safety.

He added: “We are witnessing colleagues come under relentless attack wearing not much more than a flat cap and a high-vis jacket and with a baton to keep themselves safe. Our officers must be properly protected and appropriately equipped with public order gear - including helmets and shields - when policing these protestors.

“This will in no way be the last demonstration UK police officers have to encounter as the nation unlocks and our courageous colleagues are bearing the brunt of public frustration. They must have the appropriate kit available to protect themselves."