Hundreds of people attended a vigil in Manchester city centre after the Hamas attacks in Israel – with four arrests made.
Militants entered communities near the Gaza Strip on Saturday, killing hundreds of people at a music festival and taking dozens of hostages. It is believed that at least 17 British nationals, including children, are believed to be dead or missing after the attacks.
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham spoke at Wednesday’s event. “When any community or country is a target for terrorism this city will always stand with them,” he said.
Rabbi Daniel Walker said the vigil expressed simple sorrow and solidarity” after the “terrible atrocities which went beyond the pale”.
Arrests made
Greater Manchester Police initially said four people had been taken into custody on suspicion of breaching the peace as huge crowds gathered outside the central library in St Peter’s Square.
One person was later de-arrested following further investigations, with the remaining three still in custody after the arrests were made at St Peter’s Square.
Proactive approach
Chief constable Stephen Watson said: “Last night’s vigil to honour and remember the victims of the deeply distressing and abhorrent Hamas terrorist attack on Israel passed off peacefully, and without significant incident.
“I thank our communities for their proactive and calm approach to standing together in solidarity and thank my officers for delivering a professional policing operation.
“There is no place for antisemitic hate crime in Greater Manchester and GMP understands the traumatic impact it can have on victims and communities, particularly at times like this – when they feel most vulnerable. GMP is committed to safeguarding people and property and taking robust action against offenders. The force has committed, and will continue to commit, significant and focused resources to giving reassuring effect to its intentions.”
