Police incident Manchester Airport: everything we know as police officer suspended after man kicked repeatedly

A Greater Manchester police officer has been suspended following a video showing a man being kicked at Manchester Airport emerged. The clip showed the man being kicked repeatedly whilst on the floor in Terminal 2 of the airport. 

The incident sparked outrage, and this led to a protest outside Rochdale Police Station last night July 24). Around 200 people gathered outside the station to voice anger at the role of the police in the matter. 

Leading figures in Manchester have responded to the incident, which has been circulated on social media since its publication. The police issued a statement shortly after the video was released. 

Has GMP suspended a police officer?

This morning (July 25), Greater Manchester Police issued the following statement and confirmed a police officer has been suspended.

A spokesperson 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, whilst this independent investigation takes place.”

What was the first Greater Manchester Police statement?

On July 23, the day of the incident, a spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “Officers were called to reports of an altercation between members of the public in Terminal 2 at Manchester Airport. Whilst attempting to arrest one of the suspects of the earlier altercation, three officers were subject to a violent assault, where they were punched to the ground. 

"A female officer suffered a broken nose and all three were taken to hospital for treatment. As the attending officers were firearms officers, there was a clear risk during this assault of their firearms being taken from them.

"Four men were arrested at the scene for affray and assault on emergency service workers. We acknowledge the concerns of the conduct within the video, and our Professional Standards Directorate are assessing this."

Has a senior member of Greater Manchester Police commented on the incident?

Assistant Chief Constable Wasim Chaudhry later added to this statement. He said that several officers had been assaulted.

“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.

“In advance of what is shown in the footage available, we were called to reports of an assault at Terminal 2, Manchester Airport at 8.25pm on Tuesday 23 July. The alleged suspect was seen on CCTV at a ticket machine in the car park and officers attended the location to arrest him.”

“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.”

“One male officer has been removed from operational duties and we are making a voluntary referral of our policing response to the Independent Office of Police Conduct. Two men have been arrested on suspicion of assault, assault of emergency worker, affray, and obstructing police. Two other men have also been arrested on suspicion of affray and assault of an emergency worker.”

Have GMP responded to the Rochdale protest?

In response to the Rochdale protest, ACC 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."

What has Mayor Andy Burnham said?

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham described the video as ‘disturbing’ and added that he and the Deputy Mayor had raised concerns with the Deputy Chief Constable.

He said: "I have seen the disturbing video footage circulating of a GMP officer at Manchester Airport and recognise the widespread and deep concern this has caused in Greater Manchester and beyond.

“The Deputy Mayor and I have raised these concerns with the Deputy Chief Constable. We have been informed that a referral has now been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct for a full investigation."