15 people have been arrested on suspicion of various offences following the Manchester Derby last weekend, it has been confirmed.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed the arrests, as it thanked football fans for a “successful” match – which saw the city painted blue after Manchester City clinched the win with a 3-1 result over local cross-town rivals, Manchester United.
53,000 people were in attendance at the Etihad Stadium last Sunday afternoon (3 March) for what was the second Manchester derby of the 2023/24 Premier League season.
GMP says officers worked hard to “ensure the safety and enjoyment” of all spectators and the public, not only at the Etihad Stadium, but also on travel networks, and in Manchester city centre and other key locations where people gathered to watch.
Of that number of fans in attendance at the stadium, a total of 15 people were arrested, with two dearrested, and 13 then taken into police custody for different offences.
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15 people were arrested for various offences at the Manchester derby last Sunday / Credit: GMP
The offences were as follows:
Five on suspicion of drug offences
Five on suspicion of assault
Two on suspicion of ‘tragedy chanting’
One fan was also arrested on suspicion of possession of a firework/flare at a sporting event, and throwing a missile onto a football playing area – but he was charged with this offence on Monday (4 March), and bailed with conditions.
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Despite the arrests made, GMP has been quick to thank and express gratitude to the “vast majority” of fans for their cooperation on the day.
#THANKYOU | GMP would like to thank football fans for a successful Manchester derby.
Of the 53,000 people in attendance on Sunday (March 3), 15 people were arrested, with 2 dearrested and 13 taken into custody.
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) March 6, 2024
Speaking this week following the Manchester derby, Superintendent Gareth Parkin, who is GMP’s commander for the event, said: “On behalf of GMP, I would like to thank the vast majority of supporters of both teams who enjoyed their day responsibly and safely.
“Most of the arrests this weekend were the result of proactive policing, and members of the public reporting incidents to us.
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“A thorough policing operation was in place and GMP worked closely with partner agencies, including local authorities, British Transport Police, Transport for Greater Manchester, and both football clubs, to ensure the safety of all spectators and supporters who watched the match.
“Finally, I want to thank our partners who were involved in months of planning and helped organise a successful event.”
Featured Image – GMP
News
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Emily Sergeant -
7th March 2024 
