Police have released an image of a man they want to question after a young police officer was blinded in one eye by a missile thrown at the Manchester derby.

The 24-year-old policeman was among a number of officers trying to keep rival United and City supporters apart at Eastlands after the game on April 17.

Tensions were high as United beat City with a goal in the dying seconds of injury time.

Fans clashed outside gate seven close to Ashton New Road.

During the disturbance, an object was thrown which hit the officer in the right eye.

The PC was taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary.

Later some sight returned, but doctors fear he could be left permanently blind in his right eye.

After releasing CCTV pictures of a man police wish to speak to, Supt Jim Liggett, said: “The officer was simply doing his job, trying to ensure the match passed off safely and enjoyably for fans, when some mindless thug threw something at him.

“He may now be permanently blind in one eye as a result and, sadly, this incident demonstrates what can happen when objects are thrown indiscriminately and the dangers faced by police officers every single day.

“I would like to hear from anyone who knows the person in the image as he may have vital information about who may be responsible.”

Chris Burrows, chairman of the Greater Manchester branch of the Police Federation, said: “This highlights the dangers faced by officers on a daily basis and it shows how even the most innocuous object can cause serious damage if it is thrown. Police officers are regularly injured on duty but not many are as serious as this.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Grey Mare Lane CID on 0161 856 3540 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.