A UK police officer has been suspended following the circulation of a video showing the officer kicking and stamping on a man’s head during an arrest at Manchester Airport. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, has ignited public outrage and prompted an independent investigation.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that the officer involved has been “suspended from all duties” pending the outcome of the review. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is independently investigating the “level of force” used in the arrest. The IOPC acknowledged the widespread shock and concern generated by the footage shared on social media.
In a statement, Greater Manchester Police disclosed that three officers were assaulted during the incident, with one female officer sustaining a broken nose and requiring hospital treatment. The controversial footage, captured after the officers were attacked, shows a police officer kicking and stamping on the head of a man lying on the ground.
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, reviewed the full footage and described the situation as “not clearcut,” acknowledging issues on both sides. Burnham highlighted that an altercation in the airport’s arrivals hall preceded the filmed incident, which quickly escalated.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his concern over the video, while several MPs described the footage as “disturbing.” The police arrested two men on suspicion of assault and assault of an emergency worker, and two other men on suspicion of affray and assault of an emergency worker.
