Manchester airport: officer removed from frontline duty after arrest video goes viral

A police officer who was seen kicking a man in the face during an arrest at Manchester airport has been taken off active duty.

A high-ranking officer from Greater Manchester police called the situation "really shocking" and stated that the community was "justifiably very worried" about it.

A video that went viral on the internet on Wednesday captured the officer aiming his Taser at the man, kicking him in the face, and stomping on his head with great force.

After that, the police officer was spotted aiming his stun gun at another man, pulling him down to the ground, and striking him on the head.

Nazir Afzal, who used to be the chief prosecutor for the crown, stated on X that he did not see a good reason for the officer's actions and demanded an explanation and possible consequences.

The deputy head of Manchester Police, Wasim Chaudhry, stated on Wednesday night: "We are aware of a video circulating online showing a disturbing incident at Manchester airport. This use of force during an arrest is rare and understandably causing distress among the public."

Before the events captured on camera, we were contacted about a possible attack at terminal 2 of Manchester airport at 8:25pm on Tuesday, July 23rd. The person suspected of the assault was spotted on security footage at a ticket machine in the parking lot, and our officers were sent to the scene to apprehend him.

In our reaction, three officers were attacked. A female officer got a broken nose and the other officers were pushed to the ground and got hurt, needing medical attention.

"A male officer has been taken off active duty and we are choosing to refer our policing response to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC)."

Two individuals have been taken into custody under suspicion of carrying out acts of assault, assault against an emergency worker, public fighting, and interfering with law enforcement. Additionally, two more individuals have been apprehended on suspicion of public fighting and assaulting an emergency worker.

A spokesperson from the IOPC stated: "We have been informed that Greater Manchester police will be voluntarily referring a case to us for assessment. Once we receive the referral, we will review it and determine the appropriate action needed from our end."

The Home Office reportedly asked for a description of the situation. Dame Diana Johnson, who is in charge of policing, mentioned on X: "I have seen troubling videos from an event at Manchester airport today and I know it has caused public worry. I have requested a complete report from Greater Manchester police."

In the video, the man who was kicked by the officer is on the ground laying on his stomach with his arms at his sides. There is a woman, who appears to be older, kneeling next to him with her hands on his back.

In a disturbing act of violence, the police officer violently assaulted the defenseless man by kicking him in the face, stomping on his head, and kneeing him in the side. Throughout the attack, the officer kept his Taser pointed at the man.

Surprised spectators were yelling "step back, step back" and asking why the officer had kicked the man. A woman officer was holding her Taser, ready to use it on the crowd.

The police officer then activates his stun gun and points it at another man who is sitting on a bench, telling him to lay down. The man complies, kneeling on the ground with his hands on his head. The officer steps on his leg and strikes him on the back of the head with the stun gun.

Amar Minhas, a resident of Leeds, shared that as soon as he arrived at the airport, he witnessed the event take place. Minhas informed the BBC that the authorities approached a young man in his 20s, informing him that he was a fugitive before restraining him against a wall.

Then, a different man confronted the police and a physical altercation occurred, according to Minhas. The man began throwing punches, was shocked with a Taser, and fell to the ground, he explained. It was at that moment when the officer kicked him.

Howard Beckett, a past member of the national executive committee of the Labour Party, labeled the conduct of the officers as "extremely violent assaults" and "violent behavior by individuals in uniform".