Assistant Chief Constable Rick Jackson said the force had been given “intelligence” about anti-social behaviour by groups on trains on the way into Manchester and similar reports around the city centre so a dispersal order was issued.
“This included plans for officers to re-route arriving groups back home,” he said.
“Our priority is always to protect public safety by preventing incidents of violence and disorder.”
Shortly after, officers responded to several disturbances in the city centre and intervened in altercations between groups, he said.
“We understand there are feelings of mistreatment and confusion amongst groups of people for being turned away yesterday,” Mr Jackson said.
“We are determined to address these concerns by working closely with the mayor’s office to engage these communities in Manchester and further afield.”
