Manchester: Police patrols stepped up around mosques after city centre disturbances

Patrols around mosques and Islamic centres in Greater Manchester are being stepped up after reports of a disturbance in the city centre, police have said.

Officers were called to reports of a disturbance involving a large number of people at an Islamic Centre in Sidney Street at around 11.20pm on Sunday night.

A man suffered a cut to his face while the walls of the building and a vehicle parked outside were vandalised with graffiti referring to ongoing protests in Iran.

One man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and is being questioned in police custody.

There had been disturbances during protests in the city centre earlier in the day, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said.

A demonstration was held amid outrage over the death of Mahsa Amini.

Superintendent Ian Jones, of GMP's City of Manchester district, said: "We understand the concern these incidents will cause our communities so have increased patrols in locations of significance, both to reassure people and keep them safe."

Enquiries are ongoing as officers try to identify those responsible, he said, adding: "This behaviour will not be tolerated in Greater Manchester."

Anyone with information is asked to contact GMP via gmp.police.uk or call 101 quoting 3373 25/09/22.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Protesters and police also clashed outside the Iranian embassy in London as people demanded regime change.

Ms Amini's cousin told Sky News she was tortured and insulted before she died in police custody, after being arrested by the "morality police" for allegedly wearing her hijab too loosely.