GMP suspends officer over footage of man being kicked in head at Manchester Airport

Greater Manchester Police have suspended an officer after footage emerged showing a man apparently being kicked in the head at Manchester Airport.

In an update, the force says they have made the move after a review of "further information" which has become available, and the office is now removed from all duties.

It comes as crowds of people gathered outside a police station in Rochdale in a late-night protest over a video which appeared to show an officer kicking a man as he lay on the floor.

Demonstrators were reported to have shouted "GMP shame on you" as an estimated 200 people gathered on Wednesday night at the protest, which police said concluded "without incident".

Footage shared on social media appears to show a Greater Manchester Police officer kick and stamp on the head of a man who was lying face down on the floor, with a woman kneeling beside him.

The video, said to have been filmed at Manchester Airport's terminal two on Tuesday, also appeared to show the officer strike a second man.

Police said three of their officers had been assaulted, including a female Pc who suffered a broken nose, and four men were arrested for affray and assaulting emergency service workers.

A force spokesman said: "Following a thorough review of further information that has become available in relation to an incident at Manchester Airport on Tuesday evening, Greater Manchester Police has suspended a police officer from all duties.

"A referral has now been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct for a full independent investigation.

"We understand the deep concerns that have been widely raised with us, and will continue to meet and discuss these feelings with Greater Manchester residents and elected representatives, whilst this independent investigation takes place."

The police watchdog says it understands the "shock and concern"

IOPC Regional Director Catherine Bates said:

“We can confirm we are independently investigating the level of force used by a Greater Manchester Police officer as part of an incident in which a number of men were arrested at Manchester Airport on Tuesday 23 July. We have been advised by the force that the officer has now been suspended from all duties.

"We appreciate the footage which was shared on social media has attracted widespread shock and concern. It is vitally important we investigate all of the circumstances surrounding the incident. We are independent of the police and our investigation will be thorough and robust.

"Our enquiries are in their very early stages but we have already secured a significant amount of body worn video and CCTV footage which will be subject to detailed analysis. We appreciate people want answers and we will work to provide those answers as quickly as we can.

“Updates will be provided as our investigation progresses.”

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