Police on anti-terror alert for Premiership clash

Security is tight at Old Trafford today for the high-profile clash between Manchester United and Liverpool, in the wake of a series of anti-terror raids.

Greater Manchester Police, which has refused to comment on speculation the grounds were a possible terror target, said there would be more rigorous checks and random searches to reassure fans.

Manchester United has said it was not aware of any impending threat despite newspaper reports suggesting 10 terror suspects arrested on Monday all had tickets for the game, raising the possibility of mass suicide bombings.

Police, anticipating a capacity crowd, were urging fans to arrive well ahead of the 3pm kick-off, bring minimal baggage and remain vigilant outside and inside the grounds and report any suspicious behaviour.

Chief Supt Dave Ryder said: “Games between Manchester United and Liverpool are always high-profile Premiership events and the police operation is designed to ensure this weekend’s match passes without incident.

“After close liaison with Manchester United Football Club we have implemented extra security for the game and ask that all supporters be patient with our checks and help us where they can by arriving early, bringing minimal baggage and remaining vigilant in and around the ground.

“Following the arrests of 10 people much speculation has been generated about the intended target of any possible attack. Whilst the police operation and investigation continues we would like to reassure visitors to the ground that public safety is always paramount in our work.”

At a press conference yesterday, he added: “Partly because of media speculation, there’s a need to reassure the public who will be attending this event.”

Mr Ryder said he was unable to discuss specific security measures for the game.

“I would not comment on whether there was a specific threat to Old Trafford.”

There were also extra checks on Tuesday for United’s game against Charlton at Old Trafford which resulted in a 2-0 win for United and passed without incident.

Ten people of North African and Iraqi Kurdish origin are still being held on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism following a series of dawn raids on Monday.

Six men and a woman were arrested in Greater Manchester and three other men were arrested in Staffordshire, South Yorkshire and the West Midlands.