Racism rears ugly head during Manchester St George's Day rally » Communities » 24dash.com

Nine people arrested after an impromptu St George's Day rally in Manchester have been released from custody, police said.

The seven men and two women were held after a group of around 40 people began chanting racist and inflammatory songs in a pub on Deansgate in Manchester city centre.

It followed a lunchtime parade through the streets of the city, with people wearing red roses and singing patriotic anthems.

But as a number of the group gathered at The Moon Under Water pub and Mitre Hotel, the singing turned racist and a number of people reported that racist gestures had been made towards them.

A heavy police presence was sent to the area at about 4pm to ensure that no further trouble broke out, with at least one bar closed as a precaution.

Four people who were arrested for failing to disperse after being ordered to move on from the pubs were given fixed penalty notices or charged, police said.

Five arrested for public order offences were also given fixed penalty notices or charged.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "The force respects the right of anyone to enjoy the St George's Day festivities and other national events.

"However, GMP will not tolerate racism in any form."