Police Officer Filmed Stamping on Man’s Head at Manchester Airport Sparks Outrage
A disturbing video has surfaced showing a police officer kicking and stamping on a man’s head during an arrest at Manchester Airport. The footage, widely circulated online, depicts a uniformed officer holding a Taser over the man, who lies face down, before striking him twice. Other officers can be heard shouting at bystanders to stay back.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) reported that firearms officers were attacked while attempting to arrest an individual involved in a fight at the airport’s Terminal 2 on Tuesday. Following the incident, GMP referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
The video has sparked public anger, leading to a protest by several hundred people outside the Rochdale police station on Wednesday evening. One protester declared to the crowd that they would no longer tolerate “police brutality.”
Assistant Chief Constable Wasim Chaudhry acknowledged the protest, stating, “A protest held last night outside Rochdale Police Station about our response at Manchester Airport concluded safely, without incident.”
GMP confirmed that one officer involved in the incident has been removed from active duty and that the force has made a voluntary referral to the IOPC. Chaudhry remarked, “We know that a film of an incident at Manchester Airport that is circulating widely shows an event that is truly shocking, and that people are rightly extremely concerned about. The use of such force in an arrest is an unusual occurrence and one that we understand creates alarm.”
The IOPC will review GMP’s referral to determine the appropriate next steps.
According to GMP, firearms officers responded to the airport around 20:25 BST on Tuesday following reports of a public altercation. As the officers attempted to arrest one suspect, three of them were “punched to the ground” in a violent assault. A police spokesman noted, “As the attending officers were firearms officers, there was a clear risk during this assault of their firearms being taken from them.”
Three officers required hospital treatment, including a female officer who sustained a broken nose. Two men were arrested on suspicion of assault, assault on an emergency worker, affray, and obstructing police. Two additional men were also arrested on suspicion of affray and assault on an emergency worker.
Eyewitness Amar Minhas from Leeds recounted the event to the BBC, saying he witnessed police approach a man in his early 20s, informing him he was wanted. When another man intervened, a fight broke out. Minhas described seeing the initial suspect being Tasered and then kicked while on the ground.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham labeled the video as “disturbing” and acknowledged the significant public concern it has raised. He has discussed the issue with GMP’s deputy chief constable.
Andy George, president of the National Black Police Association, called the video “difficult to watch” and emphasized that police officers are trained and held to higher standards.
Home Office minister Dame Diana Johnson also expressed concern on social media, requesting a full update from GMP regarding the incident.
ACC Chaudhry, addressing the protest in Rochdale and the IOPC referral, stated, “We understand the immense feeling of concern and worry that people feel about our response and fully respect their right to demonstrate their views peacefully. We have spent the evening listening to community feedback and will continue to engage with communities and elected members to maintain strong partnership links and understand local views.”
