Investigation underway after assault of man outside Chinese Consulate

We’re investigating the assault of a man following a protest outside the Chinese Consulate in Manchester yesterday.
 
Officers from our City of Manchester Central division were made aware of a planned demonstration due to take place on Sunday (16 October).
 
Around 30 to 40 people gathered outside the Chinese Consulate, and local patrols were in the area to help maintain the peaceful protest.
 
Shortly before 4pm a small group of men came out of the building and a man was dragged into the Consulate grounds and assaulted.
 
Due to our fears for the safety of the man, officers intervened and removed the victim from the Consulate grounds.
 
The man – aged in his 30s – suffered several physical injuries and remained in hospital overnight for treatment. He is continuing to receive our support for his welfare.
 
Detectives from our Major Incident Team are investigating the incident and we are liaising with national policing and diplomatic partners.
 
No arrests have been made and our ongoing and complex enquiries continue.
 
We have a dedicated portal for anyone with video or information about the incident to get in touch: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP22A58-PO1
 
Patrols remain in the area and anyone with concerns can contact us via our LiveChat facility or by calling 101.
 
Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts said: “We understand the shock and concern that this incident will have caused not just locally, but for those much further afield who may have connections with our communities here in Greater Manchester.
 
“It is clear what began as a peaceful protest unexpectedly escalated and our officers acted professionally in response to a hostile and dynamic situation to help the victim and ensure he didn’t come to any further harm.
 
“A full and comprehensive investigation is underway by our experienced Major Incident Team detectives, and I can assure the public that all viable avenues will be explored to bring to justice anyone we believe is culpable for the scenes we saw outside the Chinese Consulate on Sunday.
 
“This investigation will take time but we are supporting the man who was subjected to this assault, as well as ensuring that our local officers are providing visible reassurance and are available to anyone may wish to speak to us.”