Greater Manchester Police sorry after nurse arrested outside hospital

The incident happened on Saturday afternoon

Police have apologised for a nurse's "alarming and distressing" arrest.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) handcuffed her outside Royal Manchester Children's Hospital on Saturday after detaining her on suspicion of obstructing an officer following a "welfare disagreement".

Witnesses said the officer "berated" the nurse.

The officer has been removed from frontline duties pending the outcome of an investigation.

Prior to the arrest, which happened at about 14:35 GMT, the officer and nurse had a disagreement over the welfare of a teenage girl who had been reported missing.

A second officer de-arrested the nurse minutes later.

'Alarming and disappointing'

Full body-worn footage of the incident is being reviewed as part of the investigation and GMP has also referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

The nurse's wrist injury did not require medical attention.

GMP has apologised to her and senior hospital leaders for the "alarming and disappointing way" the incident had escalated.

Assistant Chief Constable Wasim Chaudhry said: "Every day we work closely with all partners in the health service across Greater Manchester to support and protect those most in need, and this incident is not reflective of the strong partnership working we advocate on a daily basis."