Police issue Manchester United and City derby warning as more than 70,000 people descend on Old Trafford

Police issue Manchester United and City derby warning as more than 70,000 people descend on Old Trafford

More than 70,000 people are expected to descend on Old Trafford

It's Manchester derby day (Image: Copa/Getty Images. )

More than 70,000 people are expected to descend on Old Trafford as derby day gets underway in Manchester.

The match between Manchester United and Manchester City kicks off at 4.30pm. The city centre and its surrounding transport are expected to be very busy, with Greater Manchester Police sharing their policing plan for the major event.

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The force has said there will be an increased police presence in busier locations and specialist officers will be deployed to ensure fans remain safe and can enjoy the match.

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The police have urged people to take precautions when planning their journeys, and have warned people to drink responsibly. 'The city centre and Old Trafford areas, as well as the public transport and road networks, will be busy so we remind people of their responsibilities and, where possible, to plan your journeys and enjoy alcohol responsibly', said GMP.

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Chief Superintendent Colette Rose, head of Special Operations at GMP and Gold Commander for the Manchester derby, said: "We are lucky in Manchester to have clubs with passionate fan bases represented across all football leagues - a Manchester derby especially always brings excitement as the city unites in its passions for football.

“There is a policing plan in place for Sunday - fans will notice an increased police presence in busier locations and specialist officers will be deployed to ensure fans remain safe and can enjoy the match.

“The city centre and Old Trafford areas, as well as the public transport and road networks, will be busy so we remind people of their responsibilities and, where possible, to plan your journeys and enjoy alcohol responsibly.

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“We want everyone to enjoy the match – anyone with concerns can report them to a police officer or a member of security staff on the day.

“Anyone attending any match over the coming weeks can continue to report concerns directly to our officers or through 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

"Good luck to both teams this weekend."

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