GMP issue statement after chaotic scenes between demonstrators and officers at Palestine protest

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Police have issued a statement after video footage emerged of chaotic scenes involving demonstrators and officers at a pro-Palestine protest in Manchester.

The scenes unfolded in the city centre yesterday afternoon (Saturday) while the demonstration was taking place. Protesters from various groups initially met in Piccadilly Gardens at 12pm, before moving to St Peter's Square.

The clips, which have been shared on X, formerly Twitter, appeared to show disorder between police officers and demonstrators.

Campaigners at Manchester Palestine Action claimed police 'beat protesters'. READ NEXT: Police statement after Barclays branches targeted by pro-Palestine groups with red paint Sharing the clips, the group wrote: "Police beat Manchester protesters for opposing the Gaza genocide and demanding the freedom of Palestinian political prisoners." Bosses at GMP said 'disorder ensued' as officers made their way into the crowd yesterday.