17 striking pictures as protestors descend on Manchester's Piccadilly Gardens after Southport murders

Demonstrators and counter-protestors descended on Piccadilly Gardens with other rallies for varying causes taking part in pockets of the city centre.

Greater Manchester Police had issued a dispersal order in their bid to handle the protests. The section 34 notice meant officers had powers to seize any item used for anti-social behaviour until 7pm on Saturday.

Chief Inspector Natasha Evans said: “These powers have been authorised to make sure we can continue to provide and facilitate the right to any peaceful protests that have been organised. Our officers will be able to instruct and advise anyone who is causing or very likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to leave an area immediately. People have a legal right to participate in peaceful protest, however where people are intent on breaking the law, we will take action.”