A police officer has been removed from operational duties after a shocking video emerged showing a man on the ground being kicked and stamped at Manchester Airport.
Greater Manchester Police Assistant Chief Constable Wasim Chaudhry has issued a statement in the last few minutes saying the video "shows an event that is truly shocking".
The footage, shared on social media, is said to have been filmed at Manchester Airport’s Terminal Two on Tuesday and shows a police officer, with a Taser in his hand, appearing to kick and then stamp on the head of a man who is lying face down on the floor, with a woman kneeling beside him.
A second man also appears to be struck by the officer.
(Image: social media)
ACC 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.
"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 officers were forced to the ground and suffered injuries which required hospital treatment.
(Image: social media)
"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 of obstructing police Two other men have been arrested on suspicion of affray and assault of an emergency worker."
(Image: Social media)
Home Office minister Dame 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.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article