Police in Manchester are mounting a major operation to stop trouble between rival fans at this weekend's derby game.

Greater Manchester Police is drafting in the force helicopter, surveillance teams and extra officers for Sunday's game between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford.

The force said high quality video recording equipment had helped secure the convictions of a number of football hooligans recently.

Chief Inspector Bryan Lawton, from Bootle Street police station, said: "I believe the majority of fans will be coming to Manchester to watch a great game of football, but there are a small number of people who we believe may be intent on causing trouble.

Recording equipment

"We have put in a number of measures to deter people and also to reassure the public.

"Greater Manchester Police will not tolerate football-related disorder."

The force has recently secured convictions against 15 men who were arrested following an incident in the city centre after the Manchester City and Stockport County match in October.

Inspector Lawton added: "High quality CCTV images helped officers identify the men who are from Manchester, Stockport, Leyland and Rochdale.

"I can assure anyone who is looking to cause trouble at Sunday's match that we will be using high quality video recording equipment and they will be arrested."