This morning, officers from the Specialist Operations Branch, supported by detectives from the Serious Crime Division, arrested four individuals near Manchester Airport. The arrests were part of a proactive policing operation that led to the detention of three women, aged 21, 30, and 53, along with a 23-year-old man, on suspicion of conspiring to cause a public nuisance.
The suspects were found in possession of items believed to be intended for causing damage and significant disruption to airport operations. They remain in police custody for questioning, and enquiries are ongoing.
Chief Superintendent Mark Dexter, Head of Specialist Operations, emphasized the importance of collaboration and preventive measures, stating:
“We have been working hard with colleagues from Manchester Airport and police forces across the country, sharing intelligence, with the common goal to prevent these disruptive and targeted attacks on our airports.
We have a duty of care to all members of the public. The right to protest must be respected, but we have a duty to balance that right against the rights of the public to go about their lives without being subject to unacceptable disruption and will undertake swift and decisive action to arrest those intent on causing disturbances.
These arrests have no doubt prevented a determined and targeted attack which would have brought significant delays and upset to those hard-working people heading off for their summer holidays.
Anyone who sees anything suspicious or who has concerns about safety or security should speak to an officer or a member of the airport staff.”
