Greater Manchester Police confirm position on flags as they step up patrols in response to crisis in Middle East

Greater Manchester Police are stepping up patrols ahead of planned demonstrations as the crisis in the Middle East continues. The force say additional officers are being deployed amid the humanitarian disaster in the region.

GMP said it has made seven arrests during demonstrations held across the region so far. Senior officers say the flying of Israel or Palestine flags isn't 'an offence in itself' but that police may intervene in some circumstances.

It comes as Greater Manchester's civic leaders called for an immediate ceasefire, in a statement signed by the leaders of Greater Manchester's local authorities and Mayor Andy Burnham. The region's civic leaders said they are 'deeply concerned' about the situation and the 'anguish being experienced' by people across Greater Manchester's Jewish and Muslim communities.

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GMP says it is aware of further demonstrations planned for the weekend. Superintendent Rachael Harrison said: "We are acutely aware members of our community are affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. This wider community impact will continue to shape our policing response.

"At the force and district level, we are having regular dialogue with local authorises, faith and community leaders. Additional officers will continue to be deployed to key locations around the vicinity of faith schools, places of worship and in those communities where we know the levels of concern are highest.

“Officers will be highly visible around public demonstrations. We want these events to pass off peacefully but we will intervene in incidents where criminal offences take place including