Footage plea from police clashes

The trouble flared after the event finished at Bridgewater Hall

Clashes between police and the audience of a teenage talent show may have been captured on mobile phone cameras.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is investigating the Monday night disturbance outside The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester.

An IPCC spokesman said any footage would help officials look into claims excessive force was used by officers.

Community campaigner Raymond Bell, 46, of Moss Side, claims he was attacked by police after being caught in the melee.

Mr Bell, who was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder, says he did nothing wrong and has vowed to continue his work with the force in his community.

We will ensure the evidence is treated confidentially where appropriate, collated, and fed into the investigation Naseem Malik, IPCC

The investigation is being managed by Naseem Malik, IPCC Commissioner for the North West.

Ms Malik said: "It is clear this incident has impacted upon Greater Manchester Police's community relations and it is important that the IPCC provides independent and impartial oversight to the investigation.

"We will ensure the investigation is thorough and determines the exact circumstances of the incident and whether action taken by the officers was justified and proportionate.

"It is important that as much evidence as possible is captured to assist the investigation and I would appeal to anybody who witnessed or recorded the incident to contact the IPCC.

"We will ensure the evidence is treated confidentially where appropriate, collated, and fed into the investigation."

Emergency alarm

Police said the incident was sparked by the occupants of a car unconnected to the event whom they believed were intent on causing trouble.

When officers tried to search the car they were assaulted, so they used an emergency alarm to get back-up - just as the crowds were emerging from the venue.

In the ensuing chaos, Mr Bell says he was punched to the ground when he tried to reach his son who had been trapped by the crowd.

Greater Manchester Police also said several officers were injured.

Anybody who witnessed, or who recorded footage of, the incident is asked to contact the IPCC.

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