UK Police Officer Suspended After Video of Arrest at Manchester Airport Sparks Protests

A police officer has been suspended from all duties following a "thorough review of further information" after a video emerged showing a man being kicked at Manchester Airport, police said.

The footage, widely shared on social media, led to protests outside Rochdale Police Station on Wednesday night, where hundreds gathered chanting "shame on you" after a Greater Manchester Police officer was filmed making the arrests on Tuesday evening.

The disturbing video appeared to show a Taser-wielding officer kick a man in the face and stamp on his head as the suspect lay on the floor with his arms by his side. The same officer then pointed a Taser at another man with his hands behind his head and seemed to land a blow to the back of his neck as he was taken to the terminal floor. Initially, the force stated that the video was being "assessed" by its professional standards department, later announcing that the officer had been removed from operational duties.

On Thursday morning, Greater Manchester Police revealed that the officer had been suspended as the police watchdog investigates the incident.

A Greater Manchester Police 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, while this independent investigation takes place."

The suspension followed a protest by an estimated 200 demonstrators on Wednesday night, expressing their outrage at the footage. Police said the protest concluded "without incident," despite fireworks reportedly being set off. One protestor told the crowd, "We’re no longer going to settle for this police brutality. We put our trust in the police and what do they do instead? They inflict violence upon us when we surrender to them."

Greater Manchester Police stated that officers had been called to Terminal 2 of the airport at 8.25 pm on Tuesday following reports of a fight. During the arrest of a suspect, three officers were violently attacked and punched to the ground. One officer suffered a broken nose, and all three required hospital treatment.

"As the attending officers were firearms officers, there was a clear risk during this assault of their firearms being taken from them," a spokesman for the force said.