Police Officer Under Investigation for Assault at Manchester Airport

The video, captured by a bystander, showed a chaotic scene in an airport car park where multiple officers, some armed with tasers, were restraining two suspects.

Britain’s police complaints watchdog announced on Friday that a police officer is under criminal investigation for assault following an incident at Manchester Airport.

The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, involved a police officer being filmed stamping on a suspect’s head during an arrest.

The video, captured by a bystander, showed a chaotic scene in an airport car park where multiple officers, some armed with tasers, were restraining two suspects.

These individuals were arrested on suspicion of assault, assaulting an emergency worker, affray, and obstructing police duties.

Catherine Bates, the Regional Director of the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), stated, “We can confirm we are conducting a criminal investigation into the use of force during events which took place on 23 July at Manchester Airport.”

This investigation aims to scrutinize the actions taken during the arrest, specifically focusing on the use of force captured in the footage.

Additionally, the IOPC revealed that the officer in question has been served with a disciplinary notice.

This notice informs the officer that they are being investigated for potential gross misconduct, which may include multiple alleged breaches of police professional standards.

The release of the video has sparked significant controversy and accusations of police brutality.

The public reaction was swift, with protests erupting outside a police station late on Wednesday, demanding accountability and justice for the actions displayed in the footage.

In response to the incident and the ongoing investigation, Greater Manchester Police has suspended the officer involved.

This suspension is part of the standard procedure when a police officer is under investigation for serious allegations such as assault and misconduct.

The case remains under investigation by the IOPC, which will determine the appropriate course of action based on their findings.

The incident has reignited discussions about police conduct and the use of force, prompting calls for a thorough review of current practices and standards within the police force.