UK: Further protests denouncing police brutality possible in Manchester and Rochdale as of July 26 /update 1

Further protests denouncing police brutality are possible in Rochdale and central Manchester in the coming days following the July 23 arrest of two men at Manchester Airport. Protests have taken place outside Rochdale police station and in central Manchester in recent days after videos emerged depicting a violent confrontation between police and several individuals at the airport. The largest demonstration occurred in central Manchester on July 25, during which activists blocked several tram lines. Police and local politicians have expressed concern that activist groups may attempt to coopt the arrest and subsequent anti-police brutality demonstrations to further their political agendas.

Heightened security and localized transport disruptions will likely accompany any demonstrations that occur in the coming days. Low-level confrontations between demonstrators and police cannot be ruled out. Should rival demonstrations arise in proximity to each other, there would be an elevated threat of violence.