Police are stepping up patrols around mosques and Islamic centres following a 'disturbance' in Manchester city centre. Greater Manchester Police is on alert amid protests taking place across the world following the death of Mahsa Amini in Iran.
The 22-year-old woman died in police custody after being arrested for breaking hijab laws. GMP says it received a report of a disturbance involving a large group of people at the Islamic Centre on Sidney Street, in the city centre, at around 11.20pm last night (September 25).
Officers attended and found that one man had sustained a small cut to his face. Meanwhile, the external walls of the building and a vehicle parked outside had been vandalised, which GMP says made 'reference to recent events in Iran'.
One man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and has since been released on bail with conditions. Earlier in the day, there had been disturbances during protests in the centre, GMP says.
Superintendent Ian Jones, of GMP’s City of Manchester district, said: “We understand the concern these incidents will cause our communities so have increased patrols in locations of significance, both to reassure people and keep them safe. Meanwhile, enquiries are ongoing in relation to the disturbances - with officers following a number of lines of enquiry to identify those responsible for these crimes and send a clear message that this behaviour will not be tolerated in Greater Manchester.”
It comes as protesters clashed with police outside the Iranian embassy in London last night. The Metropolitan Police said five officers had been seriously injured while 12 arrests were made.
Anyone with information on the incident in Manchester is asked to contact GMP online at gmp.police.uk or call 101, quoting 3373 of September 25, 2022. Information can also be shared anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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