Police have confirmed they are investigating an ‘assault’ on a man at a pro-Hong Kong rally outside the Chinese Consulate in Manchester yesterday (October 16).
Footage shared on social media showed several members of staff from the consulate leave the grounds and grab posters demonstrators had placed on the pavement outside the Consulate. In the aftermath, a man can be seen being beaten within the grounds of the Consulate, before being rescued by police officers.
Now, after condemnation of the incident, GMP has confirmed it is investigating an assault. The man subjected to the alleged assault remained in hospital overnight.
“We understand the shock and concern that this incident will have caused not just locally, but for those much further afield who may have connections with our communities here in Greater Manchester,” Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts said. “It is clear what began as a peaceful protest unexpectedly escalated and our officers acted professionally in response to a hostile and dynamic situation to help the victim and ensure he didn’t come to any further harm.
"A full and comprehensive investigation is underway by our experienced Major Incident Team detectives, and I can assure the public that all viable avenues will be explored to bring to justice anyone we believe is culpable for the scenes we saw outside the Chinese Consulate on Sunday. This investigation will take time but we are supporting the man who was subjected to this assault, as well as ensuring that our local officers are providing visible reassurance and are available to anyone may wish to speak to us.”
A GMP spokesperson said around 30 to 40 people gathered outside the Chinese Consulate, and local patrols were deployed in the area to help maintain the peaceful protest. Shortly before 4pm a small group of men came out of the building and a man was dragged into the Consulate grounds and assaulted, the spokesperson added.
No arrests have been made yet, it’s been confirmed, and cops are continuing with ‘complex enquiries’. It’s thought that detectives from GMP’s Major Incident Team are liaising with national policing and diplomatic partners.
GMP has established a dedicated portal for anyone with video or information about the incident to get in touch.
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