Britain First March Sparks Arrests During Counter-Protests
Recent protests in Manchester generated significant confusion and disruption, leading to the arrest of six individuals. These events were sparked by a march organized by the far-right group Britain First.
Details of the Arrests
The Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed that the arrests were made for several offenses. These include:
- Assault of an emergency worker.
- Public order offenses.
- Breach of the peace.
- Breach of a dispersal notice.
Dispersal Order Implemented
Prior to the march, police officials established a dispersal order across the city center. This order was set to remain in effect until 20:00 GMT. It granted officers the authority to remove individuals from specified areas to maintain public safety during the event.
Police Response and Resources
To manage the protests effectively, Assistant Chief Constable Rick Jackson stated that an additional 50 officers were deployed. This included both mounted units and dog units aimed at ensuring safety and order.
The objective of the police force was to keep the protests “safe and respectful” for all participants, highlighting the tensions that such events often generate in urban environments.