Campaigner in police attack claim

Mr Bell says he is determined to carry on his commuity work

A prominent peace campaigner claims he was attacked by police after being caught up in a disturbance outside Manchester's Bridgewater Hall.

Raymond Bell was arrested after crowds emerging from a teenage talent show on Monday clashed with police outside.

An investigation into the "frustrating and disappointing" incident is under way, Greater Manchester Police said.

Mr Bell says he did nothing wrong and vowed to continue his work with the force in his Moss Side community.

Police said the incident was sparked by the occupants of a car unconnected to the event who 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.

It is disappointing and frustrating that it was marred by the incident outside at its conclusion Supt Mark Burtonwood

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.

Mr Bell, who has campaigned against gun violence through community group Carisma for a number of years, was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and later released on bail.

He said: "It wasn't just me who got injured - there was a lot of other individuals who got injured. If they have a way to do things that wasn't the way."

Although he has lodged a formal complaint, Mr Bell said he would not let the incident affect his work with GMP in Moss Side, where he lives.

"It's not the same set of police officers," added Mr Bell.

Community meetings

His wife Erinma, a prominent anti-gun campaigner recently praised by the Prime Minister, claimed there were huge differences between GMP's separate divisions.

"Even though it's one police force the different divisions are clearly operating with different values," she said.

Supt Mark Burtonwood, of Greater Manchester Police, said his officers had worked hard with organisers to ensure the talent show event would be "safe and enjoyable".

"It is disappointing and frustrating that it was marred by the incident outside at its conclusion," he said.

"I am aware of some concerns over alleged police action and I would urge anyone with those concerns to contact us so we can investigate them fully."

Mr Burtonwood said the matter had been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) and meetings had been held with community leaders in Moss Side to discuss the incident.