New footage has emerged showing the alleged assault of three police officers at Manchester Airport before a man was punched in the head.
The video, obtained by the Manchester Evening News, shows the chaotic scenes that led to a Officer kicks and stomps on man’s head who was lying face down on the ground.
A Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officer was suspended on Thursday after the video was widely shared on social media, sparking protests in Rochdale and Manchester downtown.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said on Friday that the officer had been informed that he was under criminal investigation for assault.
A decision will then be made as to whether the matter should be referred to the Crown Prosecution Service and whether the officer involved should face disciplinary proceedings.
Police are appealing for witnesses to three incidents at Manchester Airport’s Terminal 2 on Tuesday, including two altercations before what they say was an assault on three officers.
Find out more about Sky News:
Two men arrested at Tommy Robinson rally
Priti Patel enters Conservative leadership race
All suffered head injuries, including a policewoman who suffered a broken nose, and four men were arrested, who have since been released on bail.
Mayor considers situation to be “complicated”
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said it was a “complicated situation with two sides” and previously “urged people not to rush to judgment”.
“It’s frustrating that we haven’t been able to put more video into the public domain, but that’s because this is a live investigation,” he said.
“People must now step back and allow the IOPC’s criminal investigation into the officer’s conduct to progress, alongside GMP’s parallel investigation into other potential offences, so that a full picture can be presented.
“Given that all of these investigations are ongoing, it would not be appropriate to make further comment.”
Footage of the alleged attack. Photo: Manchester Evening News
The family of the man who was kicked in the head have called for calm and urged people not to take part in further protests, their MP said on Saturday.
Family’s ‘call for calm’
Paul Waugh, Labour MP for Rochdale, shared a statement written by the family on X and wrote: “They have appealed for calm and asked for no further protests – they want due process to take its course and urge everyone to respect their wishes.
“Yesterday’s meeting in Rochdale made it clear that this is a community that firmly believes in the rule of law, that the criminal justice system must follow the evidence wherever it leads and that offenders must be punished appropriately.
“Those present also rightly stressed that the law should apply equally to all and that no one, especially not the police, should be above the law.”
Protesters blocked the entrance to Rochdale police station on Wednesday. Pic Story Picture Agency/Shutterstock
On Wednesday, a crowd demonstrated outside Rochdale police station, reportedly shouting “GMP, shame on you”, while on Thursday protesters blocked roads and tram lines in a demonstration which began outside Mr Burnham’s office in Manchester.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham will speak to Sky News’ Trevor Phillips on his Sunday programme from 8.30am today.
