A Greater Manchester Police officer has been suspended from all duties after a video emerged showing a man being kicked as he lay on the floor at Manchester Airport.
It came after footage was shared on social media appearing to show a Greater Manchester Police officer kick and stamp on the head of a man who was lying face down on the floor, with a woman kneeling beside him.
The video, said to have been filmed at Manchester Airport's terminal two on Tuesday, also appeared to show the officer strike a second man.
Police said three of their officers had been assaulted, including a female officer who suffered a broken nose, and four men were arrested for affray and assaulting emergency service workers.
This morning a force spokesman 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."
Crowds of people gathered outside Rochdale Police Station in a late-night protest, with demonstrators reported to have shouted "GMP shame on you".
Police said the protest concluded "without incident".
Rochdale MP Paul Waugh said he was due to meet with the family involved.
"The video footage of a Greater Manchester police officer kicking and stamping on a man in Manchester Airport is truly shocking and disturbing," he said.
"Like many who have seen this clip, I am extremely concerned. I have had it confirmed that the man arrested is a Rochdale resident and I hope to meet the family as soon as possible.
"I have expressed my concerns directly to the Assistant Chief Constable this evening and have been in touch with Kate Green, Deputy Mayor for policing of Greater Manchester.
"It's right that the police officer concerned has been removed from duties and that this incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. I expect a thorough and swift investigation."
According to the Manchester Evening News, some protesters let off fireworks outside the police station and one told the crowd: "We're no longer going to settle for this police brutality. We put our trust in the police and what do they do instead they inflict violence upon us when we surrender to them."
I am aware of disturbing footage from an incident at Manchester Airport this afternoon and understand the public concern it has prompted. I have asked for a full update from Greater Manchester Police.
— Diana Johnson DBE MP 🇬🇧🇺🇦🌈 (@DianaJohnsonMP) July 24, 2024
Home Office minister Diana Johnson posted on X, formerly Twitter: "I am aware of disturbing footage from an incident at Manchester Airport this afternoon and understand the public concern it has prompted.
"I have asked for a full update from Greater Manchester Police."
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said he had raised concerns about the airport incident 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."
