COPS investigating the protest at Old Trafford have arrested a man in connection with an incident which left an officer with facial injuries.
The 25-year-old was held at his home in Prenton, The Wirral, Merseyside, on suspicion of a Section 18 wounding, violent disorder and burglary.
Police said the injured officer was left with a broken eye socket, broken nose and a slash to the face after an object was thrown at his face.
He continues to receive medical treatment for his injuries.
Superintendent Caroline Hemingway of GMP’s Trafford district said: “Following the events at Old Trafford and The Lowry on 2 May a full investigation was launched to ensure all culpable parties were identified and face appropriate consequences.
“Although we currently have one male in custody we are continuing to appeal to the public with information or video footage from the day to make contact with police.
“We are aware of multiple people having filmed the disorder so we urge anyone with footage that is of good quality to upload it to the major incident portal or get in touch as a matter of urgency.”
United have stepped up security ahead of tonight’s contest with Leicester with dozens of riot police outside Old Trafford.
Mounted police, dog handlers and CCTV operators were part of a huge show of force aimed at ensuring this evening’s match goes off without incident.
Sir Matt Busby Way – the road leading up to the ground – has also been closed off to vehicles for the first time this season.
And 10ft fences have been erected around vulnerable parts of the stadium due to fears that fans unhappy with club owners the Glazer family may attempt to disrupt the game.
The huge show of force came as club bosses tried to prevent a repeat of ugly protests sparked before the abandoned Liverpool match.
A source said: “Senior officers are preparing for the worst even though no protest is being planned tonight. They have called in lots of officers and had them at the ground for several hours.
“It’s a show of force to send out a message that what happened before the Liverpool game won’t be allowed to happen again.”
Anyone with information or video footage is encouraged to upload it to GMP’s Major Incident Public Portal: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP21M13-PO1
Information can also be passed to police on 0161 856 7573 quoting incident number 955 of 02/05/21.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
