Police issue statement as Bob Vylan prepares to perform in Manchester
Bobby Vylan, one half of the British rap punk duo, is facing a criminal police investigation for his performances at Glastonbury Festival.
Bobby Vylan led crowds at Glastonbury's West Holts Stage on Saturday in chants of 'Free, free Palestine' and 'Death, death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)'.
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A GMP spokesperson said: 'We are aware that Bob Vylan will be performing in Manchester at the weekend.
"Greater Manchester is famous for promoting music of all genres and we welcome all artists to our region. However, we will act immediately on any reports of commentary or actions that could be breaking the law.'
Avon and Somerset Police said they had launched a probe on Monday into performances by Bob Vylan and Kneecap at the festival after reviewing video footage and audio recordings, with a senior detective appointed to lead it.
A police spokesman said: 'This has been recorded as a public order incident at this time while our inquiries are at an early stage.
'The investigation will be evidence-led and will closely consider all appropriate legislation, including relating to hate crimes.'
Glastonbury Festival itself also condemned Bob Vylan's chants, saying it was 'appalled' by what was said on stage.
A statement on Instagram said: 'Their chants very much crossed a line and we are urgently reminding everyone involved in the production of the festival that there is no place at Glastonbury for antisemitism, hate speech or incitement to violence.'
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