Travellers say they have 'lost trust in police' after children forced to leave city centre

Traveller and Gypsies say they have 'lost faith' in the police after hordes of children were kicked out of Manchester city centre on Saturday.

Those involved told the Manchester Evening News they 'would never trust a policeman again' following the chaotic scenes which saw crowds of children 'pushed' onto trains and forced to leave the city. It came after Greater Manchester Police signed a dispersal order allowing them to turn people away from much of the city centre area.

Police have said they were acting on intelligence that groups of people were en route to Manchester on trains 'causing antisocial behaviour'. But those caught up in the response said they were made to feel 'worthless' and have consequently 'lost confidence' in the police.

READ MORE: What really happened in town on Saturday afternoon

One Traveller told the M.E.N she would 'never trust a policeman again' after her experience. Mary Kate Price, 17, a college student from Wigan, went to the city centre on Saturday with her cousin and elder sister. She said when they arrived at Victoria station at about 1.40pm they were met by a 'ring' of police officers who were putting children and teenagers straight back on trains.

They were approached by a female police officer who asked where they were going, then allowed them through.

She said they then tried to get into the Arndale through the Exchange Square entrance but were stopped from doing so by a 'big police guy'.

"He stood right in front of me and wouldn't let me in. I asked why and he said 'We don't let Gypsies on our premises'."

Mary Kate said she witnessed police arrest a teenage lad outside the Arndale and force him onto the floor.

"He was just standing up for his rights. He didn't touch that police