Kill the Bill protest arrest of woman with her underwear exposed sparks 'urgent review'
POLICE will carry out an "urgent review" after a woman was left exposed in her underwear while being arrested at a Kill the Bill protest.
Andy Burnham has demanded a "full explanation" into the circumstances of the arrest after photos emerged online of the suspect being dragged away from the rally by officers, leaving her exposed in just her underwear. She was one of 18 people detained at a Kill the Bill protest on Saturday, Manchester Evening News reports.
Since then, Mr Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, put pressure on the force to investigate.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed today that they will do so.
The spokesman said: "We are aware of the videos and images of a woman partially exposed when being arrested following Saturday's protest in the city centre, which make for uncomfortable viewing.
"An urgent review is underway to establish circumstances and an update will follow in due course."
Mr Burnham, who represents the Labour Party, was asked on Twitter yesterday: "I do hope you’ll be doing something about this Andy."
He replied with: "I am Mike. I have started by asking Greater Manchester Police to provide a full explanation of what happened."
Six of those suspects arrested on Saturday have since been released under investigation, a further six were handed fixed penalty notices and a further five others accepted cautions.
A boy of 17 "is being dealt with by the youth offending service," the force confirmed.
Around 150 protesters marched through Manchester city centre in the latest Kill the Bill demo in the UK, following several violent rallies in Bristol last week.
However, after a small group sat down and blocked the tram, scenes became tense in Manchester.
Police and transport officials repeatedly asked the group to move but they refused.
Arrests were made thereafter in the city.