A dramatic physical altercation between a security guard and a man on a bicycle disrupted the festive atmosphere at the Manchester Christmas markets, casting a renewed spotlight on the ongoing crime concerns in Piccadilly Gardens.
Festive Calm Shattered by Market Brawl
The incident, captured on video and later shared online, began when a Showsec security officer approached and questioned a man who appeared to have been cycling through the busy market area. The notorious location in the city centre has been widely reported as a hotbed for crime, with social media influencers increasingly amplifying coverage of its high levels of anti-social behaviour.
This is not an isolated event for the troubled area. Just two weeks ago, on Halloween, a separate violent brawl was filmed and widely circulated online, leading to three arrests. Greater Manchester Police have previously conceded that Piccadilly Gardens has an 'image problem', a notion reinforced by this latest weekend incident.
From Argument to Physical Confrontation
In the footage, a crowd quickly formed as the situation escalated. The security guard was seen shoving the man, who was wearing a helmet and had a bike lock around his neck. The man's bicycle was splayed out on the ground, though the initial cause of the argument remains unclear.
The exchange became increasingly hostile, with the cyclist threatening the guard, saying, 'Why you pushing me? I should bang you in your face d***head.' After the man pinched the guard on the nose, the security officer swung his arm, triggering a full-blown brawl in front of families and shoppers. The man continued to taunt security and threatened to 'smack you, you little muppet... I'll break your nose.'
Police Intervention and Arrest
The security team eventually began escorting the agitated man from the premises. As the row intensified, a police officer arrived to diffuse the situation. The officer grabbed the man and pushed him against a shop window, to the horror of onlooking customers.
As the man resisted, the officer threatened to 'gas' him if he did not stop. A scuffle ensued as the officer attempted to apply handcuffs. With a large crowd gathering, the officer called for backup and subsequently sprayed the man with pepper spray.
In a bizarre reaction, the man responded by smiling, laughing, sticking his tongue out, and saying 'thank you'. The officer, who later appeared to have blood on his hand, arrested the man for assault. Multiple other officers arrived on the scene, eventually pinning down the resisting individual and carrying him into a police van in front of shocked bystanders.
Greater Manchester Police and Showsec have been contacted for comment regarding the incident.
