LIVE: Police drafted in as thousands of Rangers fans descend on Manchester in chaotic scenes - updates

Police have been drafted in after thousands of Rangers fans arrived in Manchester city centre ahead of their Europa League game against United this evening (January 23).

Red flares have been let off with crowds seen running along Great Ancoats Streets, throwing bottles, chanting and causing passers-by to flee.

Videos shared with the M.E.N show fans, many dressed in black and with face coverings, shouting "Who are ya" to the police officers. Dozens of police vehicles and TAU vans have been seen arriving in the area on blue lights.

Hundreds of the Glasgow fans were also pictured and filmed at Market Street tram stop and in Piccadilly Gardens ahead of the match earlier tonight.

Other crowds are being escorted by police through the city centre towards Old Trafford ahead of the huge Europa League clash, which kicks off at 8pm. Police have been seen escorting chanting fans through the city centre and down to Exchange Square this evening.

This is a live blog. Updates to follow.

Around 25 police officers have been called to the home end at Old Trafford this evening.

They have been drafted in to move a chanting group of Rangers fans away and escort them back towards the away stand.

Police go into home end of Old Trafford ground to move Rangers fans away towards away end@MENnewsdesk pic.twitter.com/6NYkH0lP7L

Fans of both Manchester United and Rangers have arrived at Old Trafford for the 8pm kick off tonight.

Bringing the noise pic.twitter.com/dMti7EfoH0

It is understood a number of arrests have been made in connection with the disorder on Great Ancoats Street tonight.

We are waiting on the number of suspects arrested to be confirmed by GMP.

Another witness said: "Police made a few arrests, I counted 6-7. The last one was