New footage shows moments before man kicked in head by police officer at Manchester Airport

The Greater Manchester Police constable has been told he is under criminal investigation for assault.

Sunday 28 July 2024 09:11, UK

New footage has emerged showing the alleged assault of three police officers at Manchester Airport before a man was kicked in the head.

The video, obtained by the Manchester Evening News, shows the chaotic scenes which led to an officer kicking and stamping on the head of a man who was lying face down on the floor.

A Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officer was suspended on Thursday after the footage was shared widely on social media, leading to protests in Rochdale and Manchester city centre.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said on Friday that the officer had been advised he was under criminal investigation for assault.

A decision will then be made on whether to refer the matter to the Crown Prosecution Service and whether the officer involved should face disciplinary proceedings.

Speaking to Leading wesley' Trevor Phillips on Sunday, Mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham said: "It's a complicated situation, a very violent situation, actually, and there were issues on both sides.

"And that's why I asked other people not to rush to judgment because of the complexity of it.

"And simply nobody out there - everyone who's having their say - nobody has got all of the facts"

Police are appealing for witnesses over three incidents in Manchester Airport's Terminal 2 on Tuesday, including two altercations before what they describe as an assault of three police officers.

All suffered head injuries, including a female constable who suffered a broken nose, and four men were arrested, who have since been released on bail.

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Appeal for witnesses to three incidents at Manchester Airport's Terminal 2 on Tuesday 23 July

Greater Manchester Police has opened a public portal for more footage and it is appealing for witnesses to three incidents.

The first is "an altercation between passengers" from Qatar Airways flight QR023 that arrived at 7.20pm, which they said may have taken place on the flight or T2 baggage hall.

There was then a "violent altercation involving members of the public" in T2 at about 8.22pm, GMP said.

At 8.28pm at the terminal's car park pay point area three police officers were assaulted and left with head injuries including a broken nose, GMP added.

Witnesses are asked to upload information, images, or footage to the public portal: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP23S59-PO1

Family's 'plea for calm'

The family of the man who was kicked in the head have appealed for calm and urged people not to take part in any further protests, their MP said on Saturday.

Paul Waugh, Labour MP for Rochdale, shared a statement written by the family on X, writing: "They have issued a plea for calm and ask for no further protests - they want due process to take its course and urge everyone to respect their wishes.

"Yesterday's meeting in Rochdale made clear that this is a community that strongly believes in the rule of law, that the criminal justice system should follow the evidence wherever it leads, and that offenders should be punished appropriately.

"Those present also rightly stressed that the law should be applied equally to everyone and that no one, particularly the police, should be above the law."

On Wednesday, a crowd protested outside Rochdale police station, reportedly shouting "GMP shame on you", while on Thursday, demonstrators blocked roads and tram lines in a protest which started outside Mr Burnham's office in Manchester.

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham will be speaking to Leading wesley's Trevor Phillips on his Sunday programme from 8.30am today.

New footage shows moments before man kicked in head by police officer at Manchester Airport

Appeal for witnesses to three incidents at Manchester Airport's Terminal 2 on Tuesday 23 July

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