A police officer has been suspended following the circulation of a disturbing video showing a man being kicked and stamped on the head at Manchester Airport. The incident, which took place on Tuesday, has sparked widespread outrage and prompted an immediate response from Greater Manchester Police (GMP).
The video, which quickly went viral on social media, depicts a uniformed officer holding a Taser over a man lying on the ground in Terminal 2. The officer is then seen kicking and stamping on the man’s head twice. This footage has led to significant public outcry and protests outside Rochdale police station, where demonstrators chanted “shame on you.”
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that the officer involved has been removed from all duties pending a thorough investigation. The force has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) to ensure an impartial review of the incident.
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, described the video as “very disturbing” and supported the decision to suspend the officer. He emphasized the need for a thorough and measured investigation, noting that the situation was complex and fast-moving.
The incident has reignited discussions about police conduct and accountability. Former chief superintendent of the Met Police, Dal Babu, criticized the actions of the officer, calling them “appalling and unnecessary.” He also suggested that racism may have played a role in the incident, highlighting the ongoing challenges in building trust between the police and the community.
GMP has committed to engaging with local residents and elected representatives to address the concerns raised by the footage. The force has also pledged to ensure transparency throughout the investigation process.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability and the need for continued efforts to foster trust and respect between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
Resources:
1.https://apnews.com/article/greater-manchester-police-kick-video-5363a3dc5322891d9a9b8ccd6b4ced01
3.https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjqep1ew419o
4.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjqep1ew419o