Police make first arrests as far right Britain First followers and counter-protesters face off in Manchester city centre demo

The first arrests came as far-right Britain First supporters and counter-protesters clashed at a demonstration in Manchester city centre.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed three people were arrested during the protest; these were both separate incidents involving counter-protesters.

In a post to X, GMP said one arrest was for a police assault, while the other was for ‘failing to provide details after requesting they remove face coverings’.

As hundreds of far-right Britain First protesters marched in Manchester on Saturday, police stepped up efforts to separate them from a counter-demonstration.

Around 1,000 Britain First supporters gathered in Store Street, below Manchester Piccadilly station, from midday and then marched to St Peter’s Square at 1.15pm ahead of the rally.

A counter-protest was held in Piccadilly Gardens by officers before gathering in St Peter’s Square by a coalition of anti-racism groups known as Resist Britain First.

GMP confirmed that counter-protesters attempted to break through police lines and officers tried to punch them by tactically spraying them with PAVA spray.

It was also stated that a group leaving the protest descended on the side of Manchester Town Hall, where they were met with ‘resistance’ as police officers led them away from a nearby opposing group.

Around 1,000 Britain First supporters gathered before marching to St Peter’s Square ahead of a rally

There is no information that any citizens were injured.

Hundreds of officers were on hand for the protest after Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were accused of ‘losing control’ when violence broke out at the previous Britain First ‘immigration march’ in February.

Police arrested 11 people following clashes between far-right protesters and counter-demonstrators.

Arrests were made on charges of disturbing public order, disturbing the peace, assaulting an emergency worker, assault and failure to comply with an expulsion notice.

GMP has since been given extra powers to manage potential troublemakers during Saturday’s demonstration.

A Section 34 dispersal order exists for the city centre, while a Section 60 order gives officers enhanced stop and search powers and allows for the removal of face masks.

A statement issued by GMP confirmed that ‘police presence will increase significantly’ in the city centre.

He said ‘up to a thousand protesters and a thousand counter-protesters were expected to be present’, but the main event organizers had met with police and a route had been agreed.

Hundreds of officers were on hand for the protest after Greater Manchester Police were accused of ‘losing control’ of an earlier Britain First protest.

Deputy Chief Constable Rick Jackson said: ‘The public should expect to see a large police presence in the city center on Saturday as part of our policing operation focused on keeping people safe and minimizing wider impact during planned protests and counter-protests.

‘Disruption is to be expected but we are working with our city center partners to reduce this.

We will have significant resources to facilitate protests and ensure our local communities, businesses and visitors to Manchester can go about their day safely and with as little impact as possible.

‘Our officers will police without fear or favor, ensuring those exercising their right to protest can do so safely and intervening when transgressive behavior is deemed a criminal offence.’