Violent brawl outside Manchester Crown Court 'linked to Badri Issa murder trial' - as eight people arrested

A violent brawl that erupted outside Manchester Crown Court was linked to a murder trial, the Manchester Evening News understands. As proceedings finished on Thursday evening (May 9), people were seen 'throwing punches' in the street outside.

The M.E.N. understands the brawl followed the Badri Issa murder trial, which concluded yesterday. Officers were seen swarming the area as violence broke near the court steps, before spilling out onto nearby Bridge Street.

One witness described how it 'kicked off massively', while police were seen on Bridge Street and in Spinningfields. Another told the M.E.N. 'bottles were thrown' between some of those involved.

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In an update issued today (May 10), Greater Manchester Police confirmed it has arrested eight people following the brawl, including two youths. A GMP spokesman said: "At around 4.30pm on Thursday, May 9 2024, we received reports of several people fighting outside Crown Square, Manchester.

"Officers in attendance subsequently arrested eight people, including two juveniles, on suspicion of affray and assault and remain in custody for questioning. Enquiries are ongoing at this time."

Mr Issa, 22, was stabbed to death last October 25 by Raami Mohamed, 21, of Fairy Lane, Cheetham Hill. Mohamed was found guilty of murder by jurors yesterday.

A second man, Kevell Blake, 20, of Bromshill Drive, Cheetham Hill, was acquitted of murder but found guilty of manslaughter. Both will be sentenced next month.