Police called out to Co-op Live moments after crowds leave sell-out gig

Officers descended on a street outside Co-op Live following an assault after a major sold out concert at the arena. Three police vehicles were seen outside the venue, at Sportcity Way, in the early hours of Saturday morning (December 7).

Greater Manchester Police confirmed it was called out to reports of an assault at 12.15am. The incident came less than two hours after thousands of fans had left the venue, following Sam Fender's first of two Manchester dates on Friday night.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing the suspect trying to 'break free' as officers arrested him. GMP confirmed a man in his 20s was arrested and taken to custody.

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One eyewitness, Joseph Taylor, told the Manchester Evening News: "One police vehicle turned up with three officers, they then started talking to a man who had been causing an issue... they put the cuffs on him, at this time a second police vehicle arrived with three more officers. The man in handcuffs started trying to break free and the police swiftly put him on the ground."

He added: "The police van then arrived to take him away, and the police began to search him." A GMP spokesperson said: "At around 12.15am on Saturday, December 7 2024, we were called to reports of an assault on Sportcity Way, Manchester.

"Officers attended and arrested a man in his 20s for Section 36 assault. The suspect was taken to custody for questioning." GMP has been approached for a further update today (Monday).