Police wrongly arrest Manchester United fan in Longridge (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Police wrongly arrest Manchester United fan in Longridge

3:28pm Tuesday 9th February 2010 in

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POLICE have admitted arresting the wrong man after detaining a Manchester United fan from Longridge.

John Oakes was arrested by Greater Manchester Police at his home in Redwood Drive at 5.20am, on January 27.

The Manchester United fan was taken to Blackburn police station after he was suspected of being involved in violence during Manchester City's 2-1 win over Manchester United in the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final.

Greater Manchester Police released CCTV images of suspected soccer hooligans involved in the violence at the match, one of whom was said to look like Mr Oakes.

However, police later admitted they had arrested the wrong man after the real suspect handed himself in.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: “A 38-year-old man from Longridge, arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit violent disorder was later released without charge.

“Police received information, which led to the arrest of the man.

"Information received following the arrest led to the man being released without charge.”