FIVE off-duty police officers were arrested for allegedly attacking a teenager on a night out, police said today.

They had been drinking in Manchester city centre last Thursday when they got into a row with another group including two teenagers which resulted in a 17-year-old being taken to hospital with bruising and sore ribs.

An internal investigation is under way by detectives from Greater Manchester Police.

One of the officers was released without charge but four are on police bail while inquiries continue.

The incident comes in the wake of alleged police brutality towards protesters at the G20 summit in London and the Uefa Cup final riots last year.

Reports suggest the teenagers in Manchester were drunk and among a group who were misbehaving and urinating in the street.

When challenged by the officers, the row turned into a fight, with one teenager being injured.

The youth then made an allegation of assault against the officers after he had been treated in hospital.

The incident happened following a Manchester City home game against German side Hamburg. Thousands of fans had filled the city centre, drinking in the sunshine before the match, then heading back into the city after the final whistle.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "Shortly after 10pm on Thursday, April 16, police were called following reports the boy had been assaulted. Five officers, who were not on duty at the time, were arrested on suspicion of assault."