Police in Manchester have said that a large amount of alcohol stolen from a Manchester city centre restaurant was later seized from a homeless protest camp on King Street.
A spokesperson for the force said: “At around 3am on Tuesday 2 September, two people smashed their way into the St Ann’s street branch of Frankie and Benny’s chain restaurant and stole a large quantity of alcohol.
“Later that day the alcohol was seized from a tent within the homeless protest camp on King Street in Manchester city centre.
“Approximately 100 nitrous oxide canisters were also found within the tent.”
No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.
In April a group of around 20 protesters under the name of Homeless Rights of Justice set up tents at Albert Square to challenge Manchester city council’s policy on dealing with homeless people.
The council has twice been to court to move the protesters on, first from Albert Square and then from outside Manchester Central Library.
It’s come under huge criticism from the general public for the evictions.
Chief Inspector Gareth Parkin of GMP’s North Manchester division said: “We always respect everyone’s right to peaceful and democratic protest. However, anyone found to be engaging in criminal activity will be prosecuted.
“I urge anyone with any information about those involved or who may have seen the incident to get in touch.”
Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Main image by Jeff Carr via Flickr
