A family, who are in a state of deep shock, are seeking justice following a harrowing incident at Manchester Airport that was widely circulated on social media, according to their Member of Parliament. After a video emerged showing a police officer appearing to kick a man on the floor, an officer from the Greater Manchester Police (GMP) was suspended on Thursday, causing protests at Rochdale police station and Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham’s office.
The revelation was particularly distressing for the affected family as some of them serve within the police force, stated newly appointed Rochdale Labour MP, Paul Waugh, after conversing with the family. The ensuing video, recorded on Tuesday at terminal two of Manchester Airport, appeared to portray an officer stomping on the head of a man who laid face-down on the ground, with a female figure pleading by his side.
The video also seemed to depict the officer hitting another man. The police report claims that three of their members, including a female constable with a fractured nose, were attacked. As a result, four men are now in custody.
The family, constituents of Mr. Waugh, are deeply distressed by the incident, he revealed. Their primary concerns are the health and well-being of all parties involved including their matriarch, and the importance of upholding justice.
Mr. Waugh identified the victims as part of a dedicated family from Rochdale, some of whom serve in the police, thus this incident left them in great shock. He continued, “The family wants to emphasise they have no political intent, reject political violence, and have no interest in participating in protests.”
Continuing, he said, “They requested me to call for peace and I’m hopeful this appeal will be acknowledged.” Mayor Burnham also echoed for calmness, assuring that the proper course of action is being pursued.
On BBC Radio Manchester, Mayor Burnham acknowledged the situation as complex and rapidly unfolding, implicating both parties. Nevertheless, he confirmed the suspension of the officer involved as appropriate.
Legal representative Akhmed Yakoob, speaking to journalists outside Rochdale police station, expressed concern about one of the men’s deteriorating condition, revealing a brain cyst on his CT scan.
He stated, “Our primary worry, my primary worry, is that the family attains justice and this incident doesn’t repeat in the future.”
The area’s chief of the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), Catherine Bates, assured a comprehensive and firm independent probe into the matter. She also affirmed that they had secured body-cam and CCTV footages.
Later, she revealed that IOPC received another referral from GMP. Ms Bates clarified, “The former, reported earlier in the day, pertains to the use of force by an officer on a grounded individual. The latter pertains to the identical officer utilising Pava spray on a separate man at the airport.”
After a discussion with the police force and Mr Burnham on Thursday, the Home Secretary supported the investigation and expressed her mutual concern regarding the video saying, “I acknowledge the profound concern brought about by the video and comprehend the wide-ranging distress it has caused.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also admitted to viewing the video and shared the prevailing concern.
By evening, numerous protestors congregated outside Mr Burnham’s office as a response to the Stand Up To Racism rally, voicing slogans like, “No justice, no peace, no racist police”.
They subsequently paraded around the city, followed by a series of speeches.
Footage on social media captured demonstrators causing traffic disruptions by blocking tram pathways and streets.