A police officer is under criminal investigation after a video was released showing him kicking and stamping on the head of a man lying on the floor at Manchester Airport.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said on Friday that a Greater Manchester Police officer had been informed he was under criminal investigation for alleged assault.
The spokesman said the officer had also been served with a disciplinary notice and was informed he was under investigation for gross misconduct for allegedly breaching police professional standards, including the use of force.
This came after two nights of protests in Rochdale and Manchester city centre following a video filmed in the airport’s Terminal 2 on Tuesday and shared on social media, which showed officers kicking and stamping on the head of a man lying face-down on the floor and a woman kneeling next to him.
The video also showed an officer punching a second man.
Katherine Bates, regional director for the IOPC, said: “We can confirm that we are conducting a criminal investigation into the use of force in the incident at Manchester Airport on 23 July and are arranging for officers who have received a criminal caution to be interviewed as soon as possible.”
“I met with one of the men involved in the incident and his family today to outline our investigation and I will keep them, and Greater Manchester Police, informed as our investigation progresses. I will be speaking to the man involved in the second incident as soon as possible.”
“The family has asked me to reiterate their call for peace and to stress that we will not tolerate any acts of violence as a result of this incident.
“We will be meeting with several community leaders in Rochdale this afternoon to listen to their concerns and explain our role.”
Following the IOPC’s investigation, a decision will be made whether to refer the matter to the Crown Prosecution Service for a decision on prosecution and whether the officers should face disciplinary proceedings, the spokesman said.
Many politicians have called for calm following the demonstrations that followed the video’s release.
Crowds gathered in protest outside Rochdale police station on Wednesday night, and video on Thursday night showed a small number of demonstrators hurling eggs at the building.
Roads and tram lines were closed in Manchester city centre on Thursday during an “anti-racism demonstration” that began outside the office of Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Mr Burnham said he had met with around 40 community partners in Rochdale.
He said: “What people here don’t want, and what we heard very clearly in this room this morning, is for politicians who don’t have a grasp of the facts to exploit this situation for their own political ends, without any consideration of the impact on local communities in Greater Manchester.”
“Finally, I would like to reiterate my appeal for calm, especially over the coming weekend.
“Things are moving forward now, the right steps are being taken and people’s voices are being heard.
“It is in everyone’s interest to proceed in a cautious and peaceful manner going forward.”
Rochdale Labour councillor Paul Waugh, who met with families involved in the attack, told the PA news agency: “Extremists of all kinds are looking to exploit this and hijack it for their own purposes. The last thing this town needs is that.”
“So it’s my job to make sure that the wishes of that family, who have handled this case in a very dignified way, are fulfilled — that peace prevails, that justice prevails.”
Police said three officers, including a female officer who suffered a broken nose, were assaulted and four men were arrested while responding to reports of an altercation at the airport.
Speaking on Friday night, GMP’s Chief Police Officer Stephen Watson said: “We deeply regret that the incident at Manchester Airport this week has caused shock and upset to some of our communities.
“Throughout this week senior police officers have been meeting with community representatives to ensure their voices are heard and this work will continue. We are aligned with the best instincts of those appealing for calm.”
“Due to conduct and criminal investigations we are restricted from releasing any further information or footage relating to the incident, but we are committed to providing the Independent Office for Police Conduct with all practical assistance we can.”
release date: Radio News Hub
