GMP Chief Constable has "profound regret" over Manchester Airport video
Stephen Watson has issued a statement following a video showing a police officer kicking a man in the head
The Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police say he has "profound regret" over a video which has emerged showing a police officer kicking a man in the head.
The video from Tuesday, which went viral on social media, shows an officer kicking and stamping on the head of a man who is lying face down on the floor, at Manchester Airport.
Stephen Watson says he recognises that the incident has caused "shock and upset" in the communities.
In the full statement, he said: "It is a source of profound regret that this week's incident at Manchester Airport has caused shock and upset in some of our communities.
"Throughout this week, senior officers have been meeting with community representatives to ensure their voices are heard and this will continue - we are at one with the best instincts of those engaged in appealing for calm.
"Whilst we are constrained in publicly releasing further information or footage about the incident due to the conduct and criminal investigations, we are committed to providing the fullest practical assistance to the Independent Office for Police Conduct."
A police officer has since been suspended by GMP, and the Independent Office for Police Conduct, the police watchdog, says that a criminal investigation is now underway.
It comes as Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, calls for "calm", following protests earlier this week.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Mr Burnham said he had met about 40 community partners in Rochdale.
He said: "What people here don't want - and I heard this very clearly in the room this morning - is politicians without possession of the facts exploiting the situation for their own political agenda with zero regard for the effect on the ground in communities in Greater Manchester.
"I want to finish by repeating the call for calm, particularly over the coming weekend.
"Things are now moving forward, the right steps are being taken and people's voices are being heard.
"It is in everyone's interests that from here we proceed with things in a measured and a peaceful way."
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