Police watchdog contacts GMP after video shows suspect being punched and kicked on ground at airport

The police watchdog has contacted Greater Manchester Police (GMP) after video footage emerged which appears to show a man being kicked by officers while on the ground during an arrest at Manchester Airport.The footage filmed by a holidaymaker at around 1pm on Sunday 29 December, was exclusively obtained by the Manchester Evening News.It appears to show a man being punched, kicked and kneeled on by police whilst on the ground during an arrest near an airport bus stop.

It is understood that officers were responding to reports of a man being drunk and disorderly, who had been denied entry onto a bus and caused a disturbance.

In a statement issued on Tuesday 31 December, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed it had been in touch with GMP about the video footage.An IOPC spokesman said: "We are aware of footage circulating on social media appearing to show an incident involving GMP officers at Manchester Airport.

"We have made contact with GMP to find out whether it had received any relevant complaints or identified any conduct issues that would require a referral to us.”CCTV and police body-worn camera footage is due to be reviewed as part of a probe by GMP's professional standards unit.

In the footage, one officer, holding a pair of handcuffs, appears to hit him in the stomach and kick him.

Another officer, holding the man’s head, is also shown appearing to strike the man in the video.

Later footage shows five officers restraining the man on the floor.A GMP spokesman said on Monday: "We are currently reviewing a video published online showing the arrest of a man at Manchester Airport’s bus terminal yesterday afternoon (Sunday, December 29 2024).

"We understand the concerns around the use of force shown on the clip and our professional standards unit is assessing all available footage including the officers’ body worn cameras and CCTV."