Manchester police use full force to apprehend rioters

With the tactics and response of police during the recent riots taking centre stage as politicians consider the wider implications of the disorder, a video allegedly showing Manchester police doling out some 'tough justice' to a gang of hoodies has caused a stir.

The footage, supposedly taken on Tuesday evening as the violence peaked in Manchester, shows a line of armed police officers breaking into a run when they are alerted to some youths on bikes approaching around the corner. When the groups cross paths, the cyclists try to bolt. One officer dives onto a fleeing suspect, knocking him from his bike. Another group of policemen can be seen beating a youth to the ground after he stops his bike. They strike at least half a dozen blows before stopping.

Was this a justifiable use of force or not? That is what some viewers are wondering. For many, after accusations that police had been too hands-off in dealing with the riots, the authorities were absolutely right to crack down severely on any suspects. For others, the police overstepped the mark. "Police Show Restraint... But Not In This YouTube Clip", read a headline in the Manchester Confidential magazine.

When contacted about the video, Greater Manchester Police said they were looking into the issue: "As the circumstances surrounding the footage of this particular incident are currently unknown, it is inappropriate for GMP to comment further." ·