Police prepared for fans influx

Four different sets of fans could converge in the city

Police in Manchester say they are well-prepared for an influx of thousands of football fans to the city.

Both Manchester United and Manchester City are playing at home in evening cup fixtures. The clubs' fixtures are usually staged on different days.

As a result, there will be an increased police presence in the city centre as well as officers at Old Trafford and City of Manchester Stadium.

Senior officers were involved in the decision to go ahead with the matches.

Manchester City are taking on Paris Saint Germain in the Uefa Cup, while their Old Trafford rivals play Blackburn in a Carling Cup fixture.

Our imperative is always to the safety of the crowds and the wider public, and if we have any concerns we will make sure they're heard

ACC Justine Curran, Greater Manchester Police

Both matches are due to kick-off at 2000 GMT, which could mean thousands of supporters from four different clubs converging in the city centre ahead of the games.

But Assistant Chief Constable Justine Curran, of Greater Manchester Police (GMP), said the force did not have any concerns about the fixtures.

She said: "As a force GMP has years of experience in policing dozens of large-scale football games every season.

"We consider each fixture carefully and have a crucial say in the decision about whether any fixture should be changed or not.

"Our imperative is always to the safety of the crowds and the wider public, and if we have any concerns we will make sure they're heard.

"Careful plans have been made for this Wednesday and I'm happy that we are more than prepared to police both events properly, as well as to ensure that the city centre remains safe and that everyone coming to Manchester to watch the games has an enjoyable evening."

The decision followed discussions with both clubs, police said.