GMP are appealing to anyone who caught video footage of the incident
14:54, 03 Nov 2025Updated 14:59, 03 Nov 2025
Video shows violence erupting in Piccadilly Gardens(Image: MEN)
Greater Manchester Police say they have arrested two people in connection with a shocking brawl that took place in Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester city centre on Friday night (October 31).
The altercation was caught on camera in a clip that gained considerable attention on social media. Footage showed two individuals fighting another group, with both parties landing heavy blows on each other including punches and kicks to the head.
The footage begins in the middle of the brawl, with what appears to show two people repeatedly striking someone else, among a crowd of onlookers, many of whom are also recording.
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One of the two people, wearing only shorts, is seen continuing to fight with the person. At one stage a hooded figure enters and is seen to strike the shirtless person and their friend. The pair then appear to become involved in a separate fight.
Towards the end of the footage the topless figure is seen with blood streaming from a facial wound as others appear to attack them. Someone can be seen striking them with a crutch.
“This is going off,” the person who is filming the scene is heard to say.
A still from the video
On Saturday GMP said they were ‘aware of the footage’ and were reviewing it, announcing today (November 3) that two people have been arrested in connection with the incident over the weekend.
The force said in a statement: “Shortly before 9pm on 31 October, officers responded to reports of a fight involving multiple people in the Piccadilly Gardens area of the city.
“Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported. Officers have now secured the arrest of two people – both aged 19 – on suspicion of affray.
“They remain in custody for questioning and enquiries are currently ongoing.
“As officers progress their investigation, they are appealing for information that could assist with their work.
“This includes anyone who witnessed the incident, or has any mobile phone footage that captures any of it.”
Another still of the attack
Detective Inspector Geoff Machent, from GMP’s City of Manchester CID team, said: “We are aware of a video circulating online in relation to this incident, and we appreciate that people will have concerns and worries regarding it.
“However, we have been working extensively over the weekend to establish the full circumstances and our work now led us to secure two arrests.
“As we continue our work, I would urge anyone with information to please get in touch – either directly or anonymously.”
Police can be contacted via 101 or the Live Chat service at gmp.police.uk, quoting log 3475 of 31/10/25.
Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or through their website.
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