GMP have released a statement following a viral video that reportedly appears to depict a young man being struck by an officer in Bolton town centre. 

Police were called to an incident at around 7.45pm last night following an altercation at a pub in Bolton town centre. 

A spokesperson from GMP said: "At around 7.45pm last night (27 September), officers were called to reports of an altercation at a pub in Bolton town centre.

"After arriving, officers arrested a 34-year-old man on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence.

"During the course of the arrest, a second man grabbed one of the officers' head from behind and confronted officers during their work.

"Despite being asked to stay away several times, he remained antagonistic, at which point officers used several tactics to detain the man, including the use of distraction strikes, to enable them to secure handcuffs.

"A 36-year-old man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence, three counts of police assault, and possession of class A drugs. The pair remain in custody for questioning.

"We understand footage of such incidents can cause concern, and we expect officers use of force to be proportionate, reasonable and necessary to the situation they face.

"Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call police on 101 quoting log 3002 of 26/09/24."