24 ARRESTS

Last updated : 25 April 2006 By Editor

Police arrested 24 people on Saturday as they held a big operation around Old Trafford, Salford Quays and town on Saturday. From the BBC

The majority of those arrested were held on public order offences, and one on suspicion of possession of a prohibited weapon.

Arrests were made inside and outside the ground and in the city centre.

Police had sent out 122 letters to people with football banning orders, warning them to stay away from the game or face arrest.

Hooligan spotters from Liverpool, London and Manchester were also working to identify known troublemakers.

Assistant chief constable Dave Jones said that he was "extremely pleased" with fans' behaviour and the police operation.

He said that the arrests were made following "minor incidents", but said that ongoing police operations had helped stamp out trouble.