14 arrested as animal rights protesters stage sit-in at Michelin-starred restaurant in Manchester

Police made 14 arrests after Animal Rebellion campaigners staged a sit-in protest at one of Manchester's top restaurants.

Officers were called to Mana, in Ancoats, just after 7pm on Saturday 3 December, as supporters of the animal and climate justice movement entered the restaurant and occupied tables reserved for customers.Video filmed inside the restaurant shows demonstrators holding mock menus aloft with the courses outlining the group's demands, such as 'support for farmers and fishing communities to transition to a plant-based food system'.A total of 14 people were arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass. They have since been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Supt Ian Jones said: "Though this wasn't a large-scale protest, we understand it caused some disruption in and around the area of Blossom Street last night so would like to thank members of the public and businesses for their patience whilst we responded to the incident in the most appropriate way."GMP respects the right of people to protest peacefully and so will always, in the first instance, engage with organisers and demonstrators to facilitate this - as per national guidance."It is, however, our responsibility to prevent and investigate crime, and keep people safe. In this case, and following engagement attempts, the most appropriate course of action was to make arrests."

In the footage filmed from inside the restaurant, officers file into the restaurant as members of the public look on. They are seen to try to speak to some of those seated, who appear to remain silent.Green mock menus can be seen on the table, as some people film on their mobile phones. Towards the end of the video, it shows some officers putting handcuffs on one of the protestors.A spokesman for Animal Rebellion clamed that Mana was targeted because 'it refuses to cater to vegans' and has 'a meat-heavy menu'.Under chef patron Simon Martin, Mana boasts on its website that it is Manchester's first Michelin Star restaurant since 1977.Mana has been contacted for comment.