A man from Wigan was detained after landing from Spain
News James Holt Senior Live and Breaking News Reporter 21:21, 25 Mar 2025
A man was arrested by police moments after landing at Manchester Airport on Monday (March 24).
Detectives had been waiting for the suspect, aged 35, to land from Spain as part of investigations into violent disorder in Southport last summer.
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The scenes of unrest erupted in the seaside town last July, with crowds clashing with police following the stabbings of three schoolgirls at a dance class.
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Axel Rudakubana has since been jailed for life, to serve a minimum of 52 years for the murder of three girls and attempted murder of 10 others on July 29.
Merseyside Police said a man from Wigan was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder after he was allegedly seen 'throwing missiles at officers'. He has since been bailed.
A statement issued by Merseyside Police said: "Yesterday, Monday 24 March, detectives arrested a 35-year-old man from Wigan on suspicion of violent disorder when he landed at Manchester Airport from Spain.
"The suspect was seen throwing missiles at officers during the disorder at Southport. He has been bailed with conditions pending further enquiries."
Detective Inspector Paula Jones said: “We have made 185 arrests and charged 146 people in connection with violence and disruption which damaged our communities on Merseyside.
“The disgusting scenes witnessed will not be tolerated and we advise anyone else who took part in the disorder to do the right thing and hand themselves in.”
Images and footage of people of interest are still being worked through, the force said. Anyone with any information is urged to report it via the public portal mipp.police.uk or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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