Disturbing viral footage of UK Police officers brutally assaulting two Pakistani youngsters in front of their family members at Manchester Airport has prompted widespread outrage and response from the authorities in Britain. The clip, circulating on social media, shows an armed officer kicking and stamping on a man’s head.
The video, which quickly garnered thousands of views, depicts a chaotic scene where a male officer is seen aiming a Taser at a man lying on the ground, while onlookers shout in distress. The officer proceeds to kick and stamp on the man’s head, as other officers surround him. In the footage, another officer is seen pointing his taser at a different man, who is on his knees with arms raised, before also kicking him.
[Disclaimer: Graphic video, viewer discretion is advised]
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) reported that they were called to Terminal 2 at Manchester Airport due to an ‘altercation’ among the public, which escalated into what they described as a ‘violent assault’ on officers attempting to make an arrest. Four men were arrested at the scene on suspicion of affray and assaulting emergency service workers.
In response to the public outcry over the video, GMP has referred itself to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) for investigation, and one officer involved has been removed from operational duties.
GMP issued a statement acknowledging the serious concerns raised by the footage. Assistant Chief Constable Wasim Chaudhry said,
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.
The UK Police officers’ violent actions during the viral incident have sparked a significant backlash, including a protest outside Rochdale Police Station, where several hundred people gathered to express their anger and demand an end to police brutality. The protestors called for accountability and justice for the victims.
Mayor Andy Burnham and National Black Police Association President Andy George described the footage as disturbing and difficult to watch. Home Office Minister Dame Diana Johnson has requested a full update from GMP on the incident. The IOPC will assess the referral from GMP to determine any further action.