Manchester 'Kill the Bill' protest: Arrested woman left exposed in underwear

A mayor has asked police for a "full explanation" of how a female protester came to be partially exposed while being arrested during a demonstration.

Andy Burnham, who as the region's mayor is responsible for overseeing Greater Manchester Police (GMP), said he had inquired about Saturday's protest.

One of 18 people arrested during the Police and Crime Bill demonstration was a woman whose underwear was exposed.

GMP said a photograph shared on social media made for "uncomfortable viewing".

A force spokesman said following a review of the arrest, a senior officer had spoken to the protester and had "apologised for any distress caused".

He said no formal complaint had been made and no misconduct identified.

"While it is clear the circumstances were made incredibly difficult and the outcome was not deliberate, the incident was indeed regrettable," he added.

Mass gatherings are banned under coronavirus legislation in England and anyone breaching regulations can be fined.

Restrictions were slightly eased so that, from Monday, six people or two households could again meet outdoors.

Police earlier described the Kill the Bill protest as "largely peaceful", but said "significant disruption" had been caused by protesters sitting on the Metrolink tracks in St Peter's Square.

GMP said officers gave repeated warnings to people who were obstructing the tram lines before making the arrests.

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