U.K.: MOSLEMS MAYBE MONITORED BY SPY PLANE

Police may use spy-plane at Muslim festival

Manchester police have warned they will use a spy-plane if necessary to crack down on any anti-social behaviour at a Muslim festival.

Thousands of people are expected to flock to Rusholme for Eid-ul-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan.

Police are hoping the celebration, in what is seen as the heart of Manchester's Muslim community, will pass off peacefully.

But officers have been told to use their powers to confiscate cars driven anti-socially after problems with young men racing fast cars in the area during past festivals.

Supt John O'Hare warned he would not let the celebrations be ruined by "a small number of people who use it as an excuse for bad behaviour".

He said: "The local community, business and religious leaders want to keep their celebrations as trouble-free as possible.

"I would like to reiterate that the main aim is to ensure that the festival is celebrated peacefully and those who do attend enjoy themselves without fearing for their safety."

Police will also seize any fireworks they come across and prosecute anyone who lights them.
Traffic will be restricted from entering Wilmslow Road from Monday to Wednesday.

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