A WIRRAL man has been arrested after a police officer was left with facial injuries after a football fans' protest in Old Trafford, Manchester.

The 25-year-old was arrested in Prenton this morning on suspicion of section 18 wounding, violent disorder and burglary following the incident on Saturday, May 2.

He remains in custody for questioning.

Police were aware of a planned protest at Old Trafford on Sunday May 2 and worked closely alongside partners to ensure those that attended were kept safe whilst enabling their right to peaceful protest.

By late afternoon 1,000 protesters had gathered at Old Trafford and 200 separately at the Lowry Hotel in Salford.

Officers continued to monitor the situation but the situation began to grow in hostility.

Multiple GMP officers were left with injuries after flares were let off and bottles and barriers were thrown at police officers and horses.

A full investigation was launched and officers are continuing to review all available footage and follow all lines of enquiry available in order to identify the organisers of the protest as well as those responsible for the officer assaults.

This morning's arrest in Prenton was in relation to a breach of the Manchester United grounds and an officer who was left with a broken eye socket, broken nose and a slash to the face after an object was thrown at his face.

He continues to receive medical treatment for his injuries.

Superintendent Caroline Hemingway of GMP's Trafford district said: "Following the events at Old Trafford and The Lowry on Sunday 2 May a full investigation was launched to ensure all culpable parties were identified and face appropriate consequences.

"Although we currently have one male in custody we are continuing to appeal to the public with information or video footage from the day to make contact with police.

"We are aware of multiple people having filmed the disorder so we urge anyone with footage that is of good quality to upload it the major incident portal or get in touch as a matter of urgency."

Anyone with information or video footage is encouraged to upload it to GMP's Major Incident Public Portal: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP21M13-PO1

Information can also be passed to police on 0161 856 7573 quoting incident number 955 of 02/05/21.