An armed police officer has been removed from frontline duties after footage showed him kicking a man in the face during an arrest at Manchester Airport. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) described the incident as 'truly shocking' and acknowledged public concern.
The video, widely shared on Wednesday, shows the officer pointing a Taser at a man lying face down, then kicking him forcefully in the face and stamping on his head. The officer also Tasers a second man, drags him to the floor, and strikes him on the head.
GMP Assistant Chief Constable Wasim Chaudhry said officers were responding to reports of an assault at Terminal 2 on Tuesday 23 July at 8.25pm. During the response, three officers were assaulted, including a female officer who suffered a broken nose. Two men have been arrested on suspicion of assault, affray, and obstructing police; two others were arrested for affray and assault of an emergency worker.
The officer involved has been removed from operational duties, and GMP has made a voluntary referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The Home Office has demanded an explanation, and Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson said she has asked for a full update.
Former Chief Crown Prosecutor Nazir Afzal said he saw 'no justification' for the officer's actions, calling for accountability. Witness Amar Minhas told the BBC that police approached one man, said he was wanted, and pinned him against a wall before a second man started throwing punches and was Tasered.
