Ten men aged between 20 and 64 are in custody today following dawn raids across Greater Manchester targeting football-related violence that erupted two months ago before a Manchester United European fixture.

Police arrested the suspected high-risk supporters in connection with organised fighting that broke out in Lower Broughton, Salford, before spreading towards the city centre on the eve of September’s Manchester United versus FC Twente match. The operation, involving Specialist Operations officers and Challenger teams, also uncovered two cannabis farms at separate properties, leading to the additional arrest of a 36-year-old woman on suspicion of cultivation.

Chief Superintendent Colette Rose from Specialist Operations led the coordinated strikes, which come just days before the Manchester Derby. “Our proactive and positive action today has been targeted to highlight that organised violence of any kind has no place in Greater Manchester,” she stated. “It does not reflect most people who go to events and games without any intention to cause fear or to commit crime.”

The arrests mark the culmination of weeks of intelligence gathering and evidence collection. Rose warned that more suspects will be identified as investigations continue, while promising a heavy police presence at this weekend’s derby match. “With another big fixture coming this weekend, we want to send a strong message and reassurance that our specialised officers will be deployed to ensure you remain safe and peace is maintained, so you can enjoy the game,” she added.

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