MANCHESTER: A police officer was filmed kicking and stomping on a man’s head at Manchester Airport, sparking public outrage and protests, the BBC reported.
The incident occurred on Tuesday when gunmen responded to a fight in Terminal 2. The video, which has been widely shared online, shows a uniformed officer holding a Taser over a man who is lying face down on the ground, then punching him twice. The other officers yell at the onlookers to stay back.
According to media reports, the man being beaten by the police is British Pakistani.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has confirmed it has approached the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and removed one officer from operational duties. The incident escalated when three officers were attacked while trying to arrest the suspect, with one female officer suffering a broken nose. Four men were arrested on suspicion of assault and affray.
Deputy Chief Constable Wasim Chaudhry acknowledged the public’s concern and said the use of such force was highly unusual. A protest outside Rochdale police station attracted several hundred people who expressed their anger at the incident and demanded an end to police brutality.
Mayor Andy Burnham and National Black Police Association President Andy George called the footage disturbing and difficult to watch. Home Secretary Dame Diana Johnson asked GMP for a full update.
The IOPC will review the GMP recommendations and decide on the next course of action. Meanwhile, GMP is committed to engaging with the community to address their concerns and maintain strong partnerships.
