Police officer suspended after video shows officer kicking man in the head at Manchester Airport

ITV News' Kelly Foran and Ben Chapman report on the latest developments

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has suspended an officer after a video emerged online appearing to show a man being kicked as he lay on the floor at Manchester Airport.

The video is said to have been filmed at the airport’s terminal two on July 23.

It appears to show an officer with a Taser in his hand kicking and then stamping on the head of a man who is lying face down on the floor.

GMP had initially said on Wednesday the video was being “assessed” by its professional standards department, later saying an officer had been removed from operational duties.

Footage appears to show an armed police officer kicking a man as he lay on the floor at Manchester Airport

Akhmed Yakoob, a spokesperson for Fahir, who was kicked in the head, and his brother Amaad, gave a statement outside Rochdale police station on Thursday.

He called the incident an example of "police brutality", and said the pair have a relative who is currently a serving Greater Manchester Police officer.

That officer is now "afraid to go to work", Mr Yakoob added.

He also said one of the men’s condition has worsened since Wednesday night, with a CT scan revealing there is “a cyst on his brain”.

“The main concern for us, for me, is that the family receive justice and this no longer happens again,” Mr Yakoob went on.

“The family are okay but they are traumatised.”

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham urged people to avoid politicising the incident and jumping to conclusions.

"There were other events leading up to it," he said, referring to the footage.

"It was quite a violent and complicated situation, and it is not for any of us to rush to judgement and say they know everything, on the back of something on social media."

Burnham met with Home Secretary Yvette Cooper to discuss the incident on Thursday.

He continued: "It is obviously very disturbing, but in my role I have to look at the whole picture.

"I see MPs out there making all kinds of provocative and inflammatory statements, that's the way America has gone where politicians stoke up people and you get a polarised debate.

"There are real issues at stake here which is why care has to be taken rather than just following the social media clamour."

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham spoke to ITV Granada about the incident, which he called 'very disturbing'

On Thursday morning, the force said in a new statement that following a review of "further information", a police officer has been suspended from all duties.

A spokesperson said: "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 Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said they are investigating "the use of force during an arrest".

IOPC Regional Director Catherine Bates said: "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."

The watchdog will subject CCTV and bodycam footage to detailed analysis, and will work to provide answers as soon as possible, she added.

The IOPC has also received a second referral from Greater Manchester Police.

Whilst the first referral was about the use of force towards the man shown on the ground in the video, the second one was about "the same officer's use of Pava spray" towards a different man in the airport.

The video sparked a protest outside Rochdale Police Station on Wednesday night, reported to have been attended by an estimated 200 people, some chanting "GMP shame on you".

On his first visit to the north west since Labour won the General Election, Prime Minister Keir Starmer gave his reaction to the video.

He told ITV Granada: "I have seen the footage and for that reason I do understand the public concern.

"Obviously action has now been taken in relation to the suspension of an officer, and the Home Secretary is already having discussions with the Mayor of Greater Manchester.

"The home secretary is making sure she is kept updated on developments since the incident.

"Obviously there is a process now that needs to take place but I completely understand the public concern having seen the footage myself."

Prime Minister Keir Starmer giving his reaction to the footage

Community groups have also expressed their horror at the video calling for authorities to do more.

The Greater Manchester Muslim Safety Forum said GMP "must make it clear that the behaviour demonstrated by this officer is unacceptable and not justifiable".

Rochdale MP Paul Waugh said he is meeting with the family involved on Thursday.

He said: "Like many who have seen this clip, I am extremely concerned.

"I have had it confirmed that the man arrested is a Rochdale resident and I hope to meet the family as soon as possible."

Mr Waugh also highlighted the difficulties armed police can face carrying out their duty, and called on the investigation to gather the full facts.

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Leader of the House of Commons Lucy Powell has said "it’s right" that Greater Manchester Police have been referred for investigation over the "truly shocking" footage captured at Manchester airport.

The MP for Manchester Central told the Commons: "It’s right the Greater Manchester Police has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct given the wide concern on this issue."

GMP Assistant Chief Constable Wasim Chaudhry said: "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 already referred our actions to the Independent Office for Police Conduct and will be in further discussions with them today.

"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.”

The force has said officers at the airport were responding to reports of an altercation between members of the public.

Mr Chaudhry added: "During our response, three officers were assaulted.

"One female officer suffered a broken nose and the other officers were forced to the ground and suffered injuries which required hospital treatment."

Two men were arrested on suspicion of assault, assault of an emergency worker, affray and obstructing police and two were held on suspicion of affray and assault of an emergency worker, he said.

Greater Manchester Police Federation said it is supporting the officer concerned and all the officers who were involved in the incident at Manchester Airport.

In a statement, the Federation said: "The matter is now under investigation - everyone has the right to a fair hearing where all sides of the story are told and context is provided.

"As their Staff Association, we are supporting the officer concerned, and all of our colleagues who were involved in this incident, including those who were injured.

"We would also like to thank the many members of the public who have contacted us offering support for our hard-working colleagues doing a difficult and dangerous job.

"It is appreciated."

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