A police officer from Greater Manchester Police has been suspended after a viral video showed him kicking and stamping on a suspect’s head during an arrest at Manchester Airport. The footage, which has sparked widespread outrage and protests, was captured inside Terminal 2 and quickly spread across social media.
The incident occurred when police were called to the airport to deal with an altercation. The video shows the officer kicking the suspect in the face before stamping on his head, despite the suspect appearing compliant while restrained on the ground. A bystander, believed to be the man’s mother, tried to shield him, but the officer continued the assault.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) responded swiftly by suspending the officer from all duties and referring the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for a thorough investigation. GMP has acknowledged the public’s deep concerns and promised a transparent review of the incident.
The video has also prompted significant political reactions. Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham condemned the actions depicted in the footage and assured the public that an independent investigation would be conducted. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Burnham have been in discussions regarding the incident, highlighting its severity at the highest levels of government.
Protests erupted outside Rochdale Police Station, with around 200 people gathering to demand justice for the assaulted men. Demonstrators expressed their frustration with police brutality and called for accountability. The protest remained peaceful, with Assistant Chief Constable Wasim Chaudhry emphasizing the force’s respect for the public’s right to demonstrate.
The incident has drawn condemnation from various quarters, including former Metropolitan Police Chief Leroy Logan, who described the officer’s actions as “disproportionate and unnecessary.” MPs have echoed these sentiments, with some labelling it an abuse of power.
This disturbing event at Manchester Airport underscores the ongoing issues of police conduct and the urgent need for reforms within law enforcement agencies to prevent such incidents in the future.
