Police 'step up security measures for Manchester derby'

Police have reportedly vowed to prevent violent scenes from marring the first Manchester derby of the season by stepping up security measures.

The clash between Manchester City and Manchester United will get underway at the Etihad Stadium on September 22, with the clubs meeting for the first time since the Red Devils clinched the Premier League title last season.

The fixture during the 2012-13 campaign was marred by trouble when United defender Rio Ferdinand was hit in the face with a coin thrown from the crowd, and City goalkeeper Joe Hart physically held back a supporter from invading the pitch.

To prevent a similar volatile situation, police are organising pre-match patrols to stop offensive graffiti being sprayed near the ground, as well as bringing trained dogs to the stadium to sniff out flares, according to the Daily Mail.

Officials from both clubs are believed to have met with the police on Monday.