A police constable has been suspended after a video appears to show him kick and stamp a man on his head at Manchester Airport in terminal two on Tuesday as he was lying down on the floor face down in a brutal attack.
This has sparked protests from the Muslim community which crowds gathering outside Rochdale Police Station on Wednesday evening.
Video footage of what happened BEFORE, during and AFTER the incident of police brutality at Manchester Airport.
The officer in question has now been removed from operational duties. https://t.co/4AswcesqtM pic.twitter.com/GdjlPWWfdq
— Dilly Hussain (@DillyHussain88) July 24, 2024
A second man in the video who was sat on a chair also appears to show the constable attack a second man.
In another video a man filming the police constable who is protesting over the conduct is then sprayed in the face and is then pulled to the ground, handcuffed and taken away.
Manchester Evening News reported that protesters let off fireworks and a person told the gathers crowd outside the police station, “We’re no longer going to settle for this police brutality. We put our trust in the police and what do they do instead they inflict violence upon us when we surrender to them.”
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said, “I have seen the disturbing video footage circulating of a GMP officer at Manchester Airport and recognise the widespread and deep concern this has caused in Greater Manchester and beyond.
“The deputy mayor and I have raised these concerns with the deputy chief constable.”
Home Office minister Dame Diana Johnson posted on X, “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.”
Manchester Airport
Why did @gmpolice pepper spray the guy standing there?
Is it because he was filming their police brutality?
Didn’t they realise someone else was filming them? pic.twitter.com/woCLNnk0US
— Aboo Hafsah (@AbuHafsah1) July 24, 2024
Rochdale MP Paul Waugh said, “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 and have been in touch with Kate Green, deputy mayor for policing of Greater Manchester.”
Always Film. The cops in this Manchester Airport video appear to be hastily trying to retrieve footage.
Wasn’t aware that you could rifle through members of the public’s pockets unannounced. Also notice his thin blue line badge… pic.twitter.com/9i4nFooazG
— Michael Morgan (@mikecmorgan) July 24, 2024
GMP Assistant Chief Constable Wasim Chaudhry said, “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.
“We have already referred our actions to the Independent Office for Police Conduct and will be in further discussions with them today.
“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.”
He described the video as “truly shocking,” and people are “rightly extremely concerned.”
