Manchester's chief constable has lifted a ban on pro-Palestinian activists protesting outside a city centre store selling Israeli cosmetics.

Sir Peter Fahy said month-long conditions limiting pickets "are no longer necessary to stop serious disruption".

Police had moved protesters away from the Kedem store in August after mainly peaceful demonstrations had lead to tense stand-offs, arrests over Nazi salutes and pro-Palestinian boycotters shutting off a main shopping street.

Retailers said tens of thousands of pounds worth of trade was lost.

But on Saturday 25 pro-Palestinian boycotters returned to picket the shop. Protesters also blocked an entrance of a branch of Marks and Spencer branch and held a candle-lit vigil in support of Gaza and calling for an end to Western airstrikes against Islamic State.

North-West Friends of Israel, which helped to organise counter-demonstrations in the summer, said it was seeking urgent talks with Sir Peter over his decision.

The Manchester Jewish Representative Council has also written to the chief constable and has organised a march against antisemitism next month.