Manchester Airport: Police officer suspended after kicking video
A video captured a police officer allegedly kicking and stomping on a man's head while he was on the ground.
Ewan Gawne and Rachael Lazaro
A police officer has been put on temporary leave after a video went viral online showing a man being kicked and stomped on the head at Manchester Airport.
The Greater Manchester Police verified that an officer was suspended from all duties following a "comprehensive assessment of additional information" related to the incident that occurred on Tuesday.
The video displayed a police officer in uniform holding a Taser above a man who was on the ground at Terminal 2, and then using it to shock him two times.
The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has asked for people to stay peaceful after a video caused a demonstration outside Rochdale police station.
The protest on Wednesday night drew a large crowd, with many people chanting "shame on you" as they expressed their dissatisfaction.
Greater Manchester Police acknowledged the "significant worries" that have been widely expressed.
Before the incident captured in the video, a police representative shared that armed officers were assaulted and knocked down while attempting to arrest individuals involved in a brawl at the airport.
He said there was a "definite danger" that someone could have taken their weapons away, and he also mentioned that all three individuals were brought to the hospital, with one of them having a broken nose.
Four individuals were taken into custody on suspicion of being involved in a physical altercation and causing public disturbance.
Mr Burnham said on BBC Radio Manchester that the video was "extremely concerning" and the decision to suspend an officer was appropriate.
But he mentioned that he had watched the complete video, which depicted a quickly evolving and complex scenario in a difficult location - it's not a simple situation.
"We have spent time analyzing the situation to understand it better," he explained. He also mentioned that it is important to now conduct an investigation in a comprehensive and careful manner.
The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, believes that the correct measures have been put into place.
The police department mentioned in its most recent announcement that they will keep having discussions with the residents and local officials of Greater Manchester to address any worries or issues related to the video.
The organization mentioned that it had reported itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct regarding the incident.
Paul Waugh, the Member of Parliament for Rochdale, expressed his belief that it was appropriate for an officer to be suspended after a particularly alarming and troubling event.
"I have received verification that the individual taken into custody is a resident of Rochdale, and I have spoken with his relatives," he mentioned in a blog post shared on X.
Mr. Waugh mentioned that he intended to meet the family face-to-face at a later time.
