A police officer has been suspended following the circulation of a video online showing a man being kicked and stamped on the head at Manchester Airport. Greater Manchester Police confirmed that the officer had been removed from all duties after a thorough review of additional information regarding the incident, which occurred on Tuesday.
A thread showcasing all clips of what happened at Manchester Airport on 23 July 2024 (in possible chronological order) pic.twitter.com/w9vRGWNdjX
— 'Uthmān (@Resisting_batil) July 24, 2024
The video depicts a uniformed male officer holding a Taser over a man lying on the ground at Terminal 2, then striking him twice. The police force acknowledged the “deep concerns” that had arisen after the video’s release, which led to a protest outside Rochdale police station.
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According to a police spokesperson, firearms officers had been punched to the ground while attempting to make an arrest prior to the incident. In a statement released on Thursday, the police force stated they would continue to engage with Greater Manchester residents and elected representatives to address concerns raised about the video.
The force has also referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct for investigation into the events.
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Hundreds of protesters gathered outside a Rochdale police station overnight after video emerged showing an officer kicking and stamping on a man’s head.
Demonstrators chanted “shame on you” and reportedly let off fireworks outside the station where four men were taken in handcuffs after their chaotic arrests on Tuesday evening at Manchester Airport.
The shocking footage, shared widely on social media, appeared to show a Taser-wielding officer kick a man in the face before stamping on his head as the suspect lay on the floor with his arms by his side.