Police were forced to intervene in a violent confrontation between rival gangs just metres away from where Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer was campaigning in Manchester, the Independent can reveal.
The disturbing incident occurred on Tuesday evening as Starmer conducted a walkabout in the city centre, with officers rushing to break up the large-scale disturbance that erupted dangerously close to the political event.
Security Concerns During Campaign Trail
According to eyewitness accounts, the altercation involved approximately 20 individuals engaged in what appeared to be a pre-arranged violent clash. The timing and proximity to the Labour leader's location have raised serious questions about security protocols for high-profile political figures during election campaigns.
Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, who was accompanying Starmer on the visit, expressed deep concern about the incident. "This is extremely worrying," she stated, highlighting the broader implications for public safety.
Police Response and Investigation
Greater Manchester Police confirmed they responded to reports of a disturbance involving two groups near the city centre. Officers were swiftly deployed to the scene and successfully dispersed those involved.
A police spokesperson indicated that while no immediate arrests were made, the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage and pursuing multiple lines of enquiry to identify those responsible for the violent outbreak.
Political Implications
The incident comes at a sensitive time for the Labour Party, which has made law and order a key part of its election platform. The proximity of the violence to the party leader raises questions about both public safety and the security of political figures on the campaign trail.
Security experts suggest that such incidents, while not directly targeting political figures, demonstrate the challenges of protecting high-profile individuals in unpredictable urban environments.
The Labour campaign team has declined to comment on specific security arrangements, though sources indicate all standard protocols were followed during the Manchester visit.
