A video showing a British police officer kicking and stamping on a man’s head during an arrest at Manchester Airport has sparked accusations of police brutality and prompted a formal investigation. The incident, filmed by an onlooker on Tuesday and shared on social media, led to the suspension of one officer and a referral to an independent police complaints watchdog.
The footage depicted a chaotic scene in an airport car park where several officers armed with tasers restrained two suspects. Both men were arrested on suspicion of assault, assault of an emergency worker, affray, and obstructing police. One man was seen being kicked and stamped on by an officer while lying face-down on the ground, while the other appeared to be struck in the head by another officer.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) released a statement acknowledging the video, describing it as “truly shocking” and recognising the public’s extreme concern. They noted that the use of such force in an arrest is highly unusual and understandably alarming. According to the police, they had responded to reports of an assault, during which three officers were attacked, resulting in a woman officer sustaining a broken nose. The alleged assault on the police was not captured in the videos shared online.
A lawyer representing the arrested men accused the police of brutality, revealing that a scan showed one of the men had a cyst on the brain, and his medical condition had worsened overnight. The police confirmed that the men had been bailed but did not make any comments on their medical condition.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer commented on the video, expressing his understanding of the public’s concern. The Independent Office for Police Conduct confirmed it was investigating the incident. In response, protesters gathered on Wednesday outside a nearby police station, with one video showing at least 100 people chanting “Shame on you GMP.”
Melissa Enoch
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