Manchester Britain First protest major update as police confirm arrests

Manchester Britain First protest major update as police confirm arrests A Britain First rally in Manchester today saw the far-right group clash with counter protestors and police in the city centreNewsOlivia Bridge Reporter in Live News Network16:17, 18 Apr 2026Updated 16:28, 18 Apr 2026View ImageThe protestors clashed with police(Image: Men Media)Three people have been arrested in a city centre today as Britain First demonstrators took to the streets.‌Greater Manchester Police has confirmed three arrests have been made following clashes with the force and counter protestors.‌Hundreds of the far-right group gathered underneath Manchester Piccadilly station before they marched to St Peter's Square. They were met with a coalition of anti-racism groups calling itself Resist Britain First in Piccadilly Gardens.‌Amid the chaotic scenes, the Metrolink tram service came to a standstill across the city. The Manchester Evening News reports trams were stopped as counter-protestors blocked the tracks.The Bee Network confirmed it axed all its cross-city tram services, closing Piccadilly Gardens, Market Street and St Peter's Square earlier this afternoon.‌In a statement, GMP said the "vast majority" of demonstrators on both sides were "causing no issues" with barriers set up to keep the sides apart.Footage later appeared to show scuffles between cops and demonstrators in Piccadilly Garden, while members of the public were blocked from passing through St Peter's Square and major roads were closed by police.The force later confirmed the group had started to disperse after a flurry of speeches and activity.Article continues below"The Britain First speeches have ended & the majority of the group has already dispersed. Officers continue to safely facilitate the counter-protest group that remains in St. Peter’s Square. Today’s police operation has resulted in just three arrests so far," it said.This is a Breaking News story. You’ll be m...