Video of police brutality at Manchester Airport sparks outcry.
A police officer was filmed kicking and stamping on a man’s head while he was lying on the ground at Manchester Airport.
The video footage has been widely circulated on social media, sparking outrage across the UK.
Assistant Chief Constable Wasim Chaudhry confirmed in a statement on Thursday that Greater Manchester police had removed one officer from operational duties and referred the incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Chaudhry acknowledged the public’s shock and concern over the video, emphasizing that such force in an arrest is unusual and alarming.
Former Met chief superintendent Dal Babu said the force used was “totally excessive” on the man who was “effectively defenceless”, adding: “I think racism played a significant part in this.”
A police spokesperson said firearms officers were called to Manchester Airport around 20:25 BST on Tuesday following reports of an altercation. During the arrest attempt, three officers were “punched to the ground” in a “violent assault,” posing a risk of their firearms being taken.
Three officers were hospitalized, including a female officer with an alleged broken nose. Two men were arrested on suspicion of assault, assaulting an emergency worker, affray, and obstructing police. Two other men were also arrested on suspicion of affray and assaulting an emergency worker.
Witness Amar Minhas from Leeds told the BBC he saw the scene unfold while coming through arrivals.
He described police officers confronting a man in his early 20s, who was then pinned against a wall. Another man started a fight with the police, and the pinned man began throwing punches before being tasered and falling to the floor, at which point the officer kicked and stamped on his head.
The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, called the video “disturbing” and acknowledged the public’s deep concern. He discussed his concerns with GMP’s deputy chief constable.
UK Home Office minister Dame Diana Johnson also expressed her concern on social media and requested a full update from GMP.
T2 Manchester Airport
Can’t see how you can justify kicking someone in the face and head when they are laying on floor being tasered and he seemed compliant. Although someone context is required as to what was going here. pic.twitter.com/nh1tEb5bm9— 🅚🅐🅢🅗 🅐🅗🅜🅔🅓 (@KashAhmed77) July 24, 2024
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