A police watchdog is investigating after three community campaigners were arrested outside an event in Manchester.
The campaigners were among six people held when trouble flared outside the Bridgewater Hall on May 5 following a children's talent show.
It is alleged that officers used excessive force when dealing with the incident.
Police are investigating a
group of men who had driven up to the venue when officers clashed with members of the public leaving the event.
Greater Manchester Police referred the incident to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.
Naseem Malik, IPCC Commissioner for the North West, 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."
Assistant Chief Constable Dave Thompson, from Greater Manchester Police, said: "We are incredibly disappointed that such a positive event has been overshadowed in this way.
"As a result of the disturbance that followed a number of police officers were injured and some members of the public who were in the area were left feeling distressed.
"GMP is committed to providing locally focused policing, working closely with the communities we serve and involve them in policing Greater Manchester - both in advising us in the decisions we make and helping us develop the service for the future."
Copyright (c) Press Association Ltd. 2008, All Rights Reserved.
The full article contains 268 words and appears in Press Association newspaper.
