Two arrested after police assaulted during violent disorder after protest outside hotel in Manchester

Two men have been arrested after police were assaultedin violent disorder that erupted following a protest in Newton Heath.

The chaotic and violent scenes spilled into Oldham Road on Wednesday night (July 31) as Tactical Aid Unit officers raced to the scene in a bid to break up the crowds.

Demonstrators first turned out in large numbers outside the Holiday Inn hotel on Oldham Road at around 6pm, as a group of around 40 people, including children and young men wearing balaclavas, gathered outside the premises.

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Tensions built before the crowds began hurling bottles, rocks and bricks at officers who were lining the streets and armed in riot gear.

A bus driver also appeared to have been assaulted after a group of young men, many of whom had their faces covered, jumped in front of the double decker on Grimshaw Lane and damaged its wing mirrors.

The disorder continued as riot cops moved in, prompting many of those involved to disperse and run up nearby streets. Oldham Road remained closed due to the incident late into Wednesday evening.

Local Newton Heath councillor John Flanagan also slammed those involved in the 'sickening' incident as 'mindless idiots'.

Providing an update, a Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: "At around 6pm this evening our officers were called to reports of a demonstration on Oldham Road in Newton Heath.

"Local patrols supported by specialised units, were deployed and dispersed the group after objects were thrown, towards the police and public. Due to the early intervention from our officers this criminal behaviour thankfully didn’t cause any serious injury or damage.

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