Rochdale: Councillors share 'real concerns' following Manchester Airport incident as police officer suspended

Hundreds gathered outside the station in the town centre in the wake of a viral video showing a police officer kicking a man in the head at Manchester Airport. Chants of ‘GMP shame on you’ were heard and fireworks were said to be let off at the demonstration against Greater Manchester Police.

Around 200 people were reported to be in attendance outside the station to speak out against what they described as “police brutality”. 

A GMP officer has been ‘removed from operational duties’ after the video emerged and the force has also referred itself to the watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), acknowledging the footage captures a ‘truly shocking event’ that they ‘understand creates alarm.’

Leaders within Rochdale Council have already taken action on this matter, writing to the deputy mayor of Greater Manchester Kate Green and the chief constable of GMP.

Cllr Neil Emmott, the leader of Rochdale Borough Council, said: “The footage from Manchester Airport is extremely disturbing and like most people I am deeply concerned at what I saw. I have written to the chief constable and the deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester to outline the concerns of the council and our communities and made it clear that police officers are not above the law and must be held to account when they fail to uphold standards.”

Town hall bosses have shared their concern over the footage released from the incident at Terminal 2 yesterday. GMP previously said they were called at 8:25pm on Tuesday evening to an ‘altercation’ between members of the public in Terminal Two, before the officers were subjected to a ‘violent assault’ while trying to make an arrest.

Cllr Daalat Ali, deputy leader of Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Like many people, I’m absolutely appalled by the footage I’ve seen and I share the very real concerns that people in our community have in light of this incident.

“While this police officer has now been suspended, it’s vital that a proper investigation takes place and that people are held accountable. Our communities need to trust that police officers will police fairly and proportionately and images like this understandably cause alarm.

“As a council, we need to fully understand what has happened and to ensure that any steps that need to be taken are taken at the earliest opportunity.”

Four men were arrested at the scene on suspicion of affray and assault of emergency service workers. A female officer was left with a broken nose and other officers were hospitalised, according to GMP. The force also said that there was a risk of the armed officers’ ‘firearms being taken’.

Following the protest, Assistant Chief Constable Wasim Chaudhry said:“A protest held last night outside Rochdale Police Station about our response at Manchester Airport has concluded safely, without incident.  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.”