Neil Wilby Media

A video showing a police officer kicking and stamping on a British Pakistani man’s head in Terminal 2 at Manchester Airport has sparked widespread outrage and protests.

https://youtu.be/vMiSgdjcncw?si=3whOFOJa_5b4oCDP

Filmed on Tuesday evening, it shows a male police officer holding a Taser over a man, who is lying face down on the floor, before attacking him.

The officer then appears to stamp on and kick the man in the head, while other officers shout at onlookers to stay back.

The incident occurred during an arrest, leading to the officer being removed from frontline duties pending investigation.

The video has raised community concerns about police brutality and potential Islamophobia within the police force.

Three police officers were hospitalised following the incident, with one officer sustaining a broken nose.

GMP has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct over the incident. In a statement the police watchdog said it would assess GMP’s referral “and decide what further action is required”.

Protesters, totalling several hundred and shouting ‘Shame on you, GMP’, outside Rochdale police station demanded justice and the release of those involved.

A spokesperson for the group says all officers in today’s Manchester Airport altercation need to be arrested and suspended, or they will “unleash protests like you’ve never seen before”.

In a statement posted on Twitter (now ‘X’) after the video went viral, Assistant Chief Constable, Wasim Chaudhry, said:

“We know that a film of an incident at Manchester Airport that is circulating widely shows an event that is truly shocking, and that people are rightly extremely concerned about.

“The use of such force in an arrest is an unusual occurrence and one that we understand creates alarm.”

“We understand the immense feeling of concern and worry that people feel about our response and fully respect their right to demonstrate their views peacefully.”

He added: “We have spent the evening listening to community feedback and will continue to engage with communities and elected members to maintain strong partnership links and understand local views.”

The above statement, surprisingly, does not appear on the forces News and Appeals sections of the website.

A GMP spokesperson said that their officers had been called to Terminal 2 of the airport at 20:25 BST on Tuesday following reports of a fight.

It said while trying to arrest a suspect, three of its officers were violently attacked and punched to the ground. 

“As the attending officers were firearms officers, there was a clear risk during this assault of their firearms being taken from them,” the spokesperson added.

Four men were arrested at the scene for affray and assault on emergency service workers.

Home Office Minister, Dame Diana Johnson, also posted on the same social media platform:

“I am aware of disturbing footage from an incident at Manchester Airport this afternoon and understand the public concern it has prompted.

“I have asked for a full update from Greater Manchester Police.”

Paul Waugh MP, who represents the Rochdale constituency, says:

“The video footage of a Greater Manchester police officer kicking and stamping on a man in Manchester Airport is truly shocking and disturbing.

“Like many who have seen this clip, I am extremely concerned.

“I have had it confirmed that the man arrested is a Rochdale resident and I hope to meet the family as soon as possible.

“I have expressed my concerns directly to the Assistant Chief Constable this evening and have been in touch with Kate Green, Deputy Mayor for policing of Greater Manchester.

It’s right that the police officer concerned has been removed from duties and that this incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. I expect a thorough and swift investigation.”

Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, said the video was “disturbing” and added that he recognised “the widespread and deep concern” it had created.

His concerns have been raised with GMP’s deputy chief constable, Terry Woods, Command Team portfolio holder for Professional Standards.

Manchester Airport said in a statement: “We are aware of an incident involving Greater Manchester Police officers that took place yesterday and, as a result, the force is investigating the matter.

“We will support the investigation in any way possible.”

The Muslim Association of Great Britain say: “There can be no excuse whatsoever for kicking someone in the face who is not resisting, then trying to stamp on their head.

“All the while Tasering them.

“This level of police brutality is horrific.”

UPDATE: Shortly after this article was published the officer who assaulted the man on the ground has now been suspended follow what GMP say is ‘a review’ of the available evidence.

Reform Party MP, Lee Anderson, however had a contrary view: He told BBC News that ‘the officers should be commended for doing their job. People are fed up of namby-pamby policing. In fact I would give those officers [at Manchester Airport] a medal’.

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Page last updated: Thursday 25th July, 2024 at 1805 hours

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Picture credit: GMP

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