Police have rallied behind an officer who was suspended from duty after being filmed kicking a man at Manchester Airport as fresh footage of the incident has emerged.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), launched a criminal investigation into the Greater Manchester Police officer for assault after a video appeared to show suspect Mohammed Fahir, 19, being stamped on while being restrained on the floor on 23 July.
The incident sparked angry protests in the city centre and in Rochdale – however, a new CCTV clip has now revealed the run-up to the now-viral scene. The video obtained by the Manchester Evening News appears to show two men attacking one male and two female police officers moments before.
Following its release the Greater Manchester Police Federation defended police, saying the fresh footage casts the incident in a “very different light” and shows “we need to protect the protectors”.
Agreeing, Richard Cooke, chairman of the West Midlands Police Federation, told MailOnline the new clip provided a “different perspective altogether”.
Key Points
- Criminal probe launched into officer who kicked man by police watchdog
- Family at centre of Manchester Airport controversy are ‘traumatised’, says their MP
- Police officer suspended from all duties after footage of man kicked in face at Manchester Airport
- Don’t let extremists hijack this, say man’s family
- Protesters outnumber police at demonstration outside mayor’s office
- Manchester Airport video men have made assault complaint to police, lawyer says
Second referral made by GMP to watchdog
Friday 26 July 2024 01:00
Alex Ross
The police watchdog has received a second referral from Greater Manchester Police following a video which appeared to show a man being kicked as he lay face down on the floor.
Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) regional director Catherine Bates said: “We understand the widespread shock and concern that a video circulated on social media following the arrest of men by Greater Manchester Police at Manchester Airport has caused.
“We are grateful to those who have already been in touch with us and we have now set up a reporting line so that people who may have witnessed or filmed the incident can contact us. This will help as we build up a detailed picture of what happened on the day.
“We have also received a further referral from Greater Manchester Police in relation to the incident which took place on Tuesday July 23.
“The first, received earlier today, concerned the use of force by an officer on a man who was detained on the ground. The second relates to the same officer’s use of Pava spray on another man at the airport.”
Police officer suspended from all duties after footage of man kicked in face at Manchester Airport
Thursday 25 July 2024 12:14
Joe Middleton
A police officer has been suspended from all duties following a “thorough review of further information” after a video emerged showing a man being kicked at Manchester Airport, police said.
The footage sparked protests outside Rochdale Police station on Wednesday night as hundreds gathered chanting “shame on you” after a Greater Manchester Police officer was filmed making the chaotic arrests on Tuesday evening.
The shocking video, shared widely on social media, appeared to show a Taser-wielding officer kick a man in the face before stamping on his head as the suspect lay on the floor with his arms by his side.
Our crime correspondent Amy-Clare Martin has the latest here:
Home secretary Cooper meeting with Manchester mayor Burnham
Thursday 25 July 2024 12:16
Joe Middleton
Yvette Cooper is meeting with Andy Burnham “as we speak” over the footage appearing to show a police officer kicking a prone man in the head, Sir Keir Starmer has said.
Asked about the video in Runcorn, Cheshire, the prime minister said: “I’ve seen it myself. I understand that concern.
“There has now been the suspension of one police officer this morning and the Home Secretary is meeting the Mayor of (Greater Manchester) to discuss this as we speak now.”
Rochdale MP describes footage as ‘shocking and disturbing’
Thursday 25 July 2024 12:18
Joe Middleton
Rochdale MP Paul Waugh has described a video which appeared to show a police officer kicking a man as he lay on the floor as “shocking and disturbing”.
The Labour MP told MPs: “The video footage of a Greater Manchester Police officer stamping on and kicking a man in Manchester Airport is truly shocking and disturbing. That man is one of my constituents in Rochdale and I’m meeting his family later today.
“Our police face a very difficult job every day in keeping us all safe, but they themselves know that they have to expect the highest standards of conduct in their duties.”
Mr Waugh asked whether the House could discuss “the important issue of police conduct”.
Leader of the House of Commons Lucy Powell, herself the Labour MP for Manchester Central, said she would pass his comments on to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and added: “As I said, clearly the footage is incredibly disturbing and there’s understandably a lot of concern, particularly in his constituency because it was his constituent affected.
“GMP has said that the officer involved has been immediately suspended from all duties and a referral has now been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).”
Greater Manchester mayor Burnham appeals for calm over ‘very disturbing’ video
Thursday 25 July 2024 12:22
Joe Middleton
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham appealed for “calm” after a protest following footage of a police officer appearing to kick a man, but said the incident is a “fast-moving and complicated situation”.
Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester, Mr Burnham said the video he had seen online was “very disturbing”.
He said he has since been able to view full footage of the incident.
He said: “Firstly, I would say that it is a fast-moving and complicated situation in a challenging location, obviously at the airport. It is not clear-cut, I would say, and there are issues for both sides in the situation.
“That said, here’s where I want to be really clear: it is right that the officer has been suspended. That is the right action, it is abundantly clear to me that the right steps have been taken.”
He added: “I would ask for calm because what I can assure people is that the right and proper steps have been taken in the right way.”
Ex-Met chief says Manchester Airport police officer’s actions were ‘disproportionate and unnecessary’
Thursday 25 July 2024 12:35
Joe Middleton
A former Metropolitan Police chief has described the actions of an officer who kicked a man in the face at Manchester Airport as “totally disproportionate and unnecessary”.
Ex-Met Superintendent Leroy Logan reacted to the footage, which has been shared widely on social media, when he appeared on Good Morning Britain on Thursday (25 July).
Greater Manchester Police - which said it understood people’s “immense feeling of concern” - has since removed the officer from operational duties and has referred itself to the police watchdog for investigation.
Manchester Airport video men have made assault complaint to police, lawyer says
Thursday 25 July 2024 12:44
Joe Middleton
Two men whose violent arrests at Manchester Airport sparked protests have made a formal complaint of assault, their solicitor has said.
A police officer has been suspended from all duties following a “thorough review of further information” after a video emerged showing a man being kicked in the head and stamped on during a chaotic arrest by Taser-wielding police on Tuesday.
Police appeared to land a blow to the back of the neck of a second man as he was taken to the terminal floor with his hands behind his head.
A lawyer representing the men said they had to make their own way to hospital to be checked for head injuries after they were released from custody.
Our crime correspondent Amy-Clare Martin has the latest:
PM understands ‘level of concern’ over video
Thursday 25 July 2024 13:01
Liam James
Downing Street said the public expects high standards of conduct from police officers.
The prime minister’s official spokesman said: “Clearly we understand the level of concern members of the public rightly have from seeing this video clip.
“The public rightly expect a high standard of conduct from our police officers, who are there to protect our communities.”
Asked whether Sir Keir Starmer shared the Reform UK deputy leader’s view that the police action was “reassuring”, the spokesman said: “No, he wouldn’t characterise it like that.
“As I say, he understands the concern that members of the public rightly have in relation to that video, the public rightly expect a high standard of conduct from our police and it is right that the police have reported themselves to the IOPC.”
MP is ‘deeply concerned’ with ‘abuse of power’
Thursday 25 July 2024 13:17
Joe Middleton
Independent MP Adnan Hussain said reports of a police officer kicking a man at Manchester Airport showed a “complete abuse of power”.
The MP for Blackburn told the Commons: “I’ve been inundated with messages of concern and upset from my constituents following the horrific images that have come from Manchester Airport.
“I myself I’m deeply concerned with what can only be described as a complete abuse of power.
“Again, will the (Leader of the House Lucy Powell) join me in assuring the general public that we should never have to witness such scenes of violence in a country like ours, where no authority is above the law? And that all necessary measures must be taken to investigate how and why such an incident arose and for the general public to be reassured?”
Ms Powell replied: “As a Manchester MP, myself, I was absolutely disturbed by that footage as well.
“And understandably it’s caused a lot of public concern and it was truly shocking to see, other colleagues have raised that here on the floor of the House this morning.”
She added: “Let’s hope we don’t see scenes like that again.”
Greater Manchester mayor Burnham responds to Reform MPs comments
Thursday 25 July 2024 13:35
Joe Middleton
Taking part in a phone-in on BBC Radio Manchester, Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham was asked about comments made about the footage by Reform MPs Lee Anderson and Richard Tice.
Mr Anderson posted on social media site X that the “vast majority of decent Brits would applaud this type of policing”, while Mr Tice told TalkTV the video was “reassuring” rather than “distressing”.
Mr Burnham said: “In the world that I described a moment ago, a social media world that rushes to judgment, if your elected representatives do that as well I think you’re heading in a very dangerous direction in society.”
He added: “Society is not helped by politicians rushing to join the clamour.”
Home secretary Cooper meeting with Manchester mayor Burnham
Thursday 25 July 2024 14:00
Joe Middleton
Yvette Cooper is meeting with Andy Burnham “as we speak” over the footage appearing to show a police officer kicking a prone man in the head, Sir Keir Starmer has said.
Asked about the video in Runcorn, Cheshire, the prime minister said: “I’ve seen it myself. I understand that concern.
“There has now been the suspension of one police officer this morning and the Home Secretary is meeting the Mayor of (Greater Manchester) to discuss this as we speak now.”
Watch: Ex-Met Chief reacts to police officer kicking man in head at Manchester Airport
Thursday 25 July 2024 14:30
Joe Middleton
Greater Manchester mayor Burnham watches full footage and says it's not a ‘clearcut situation’
Thursday 25 July 2024 14:46
Joe Middleton
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham said he has seen the full footage leading up to an incident where a police officer appears to kick a man as he lays on the floor and that it was “not a clearcut situation”.
He told BBC Radio 4’s World at One: “It was, I think, an issue on a flight coming into Manchester Airport.
“When the flight landed, two individuals ... were waiting for their mum, who I think said that there’d been an issue on the flight and she pointed somebody out and then there was an altercation in the arrivals hall.
“And then that individual who was involved in that - or a couple - were followed by cameras through the airport, and then we get to the scene that people have seen, which is in the car park area of Manchester Airport.
“So there had been already a serious incident before that. What people don’t see in the clip is that there is a situation which escalates and escalates very quickly. “
He said there were issues “on both sides” but reiterated that the footage everyone has seen is “disturbing” and said it was right to refer the situation to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) to investigate.
Home secretary expresses ‘deep concern’ over incident and urges swift investigation
Thursday 25 July 2024 15:35
Joe Middleton
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has said it is “extremely important” that an investigation into footage of a police officer appearing to kick a man is able to happen “swiftly” and “thoroughly”, as she expressed “deep concern” over the incident.
She said: “I share the deep concern surrounding the video and understand the widespread distress it will have caused. I welcome the initiation of an independent investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct following a referral from Greater Manchester Police.
“It is extremely important that the IOPC are able to begin the investigation swiftly and conduct it thoroughly, examining all of the evidence, with clear and transparent ways for all those affected to be able to raise their concerns with the IOPC.
“I welcome the engagement by the Mayor of Greater Manchester with local communities. It is essential that the police have the trust of communities and the public rightly expect high standards from those in charge of keeping us safe.
“I am continuing to receive updates from Greater Manchester Police. It is vital that we now allow this investigation to proceed fairly and independently.”
Alleged victim has a cyst on his brain, family’s solicitor says
Thursday 25 July 2024 16:09
Joe Middleton
The condition of the man who was stamped on by a police officer has worsened overnight and he has a cyst on his brain the family’s solicitor said.
Giving up update outside Rochdale Police station, Akhmed Yakoob, a director at Maurice Andrews Solicitors in Birmingham said: “It was something that hasn’t been seen before, such police brutality. I can tell you guys now that the people who were assaulted by the police are members of a police officer’s family who is currently serving in the Greater Manchester Police force.
“This man is now afraid to go into work. He went in to speak with his supervisor and the only reason he is not going to work is because he is fearing for his own safety and he thinks that like his family members who were the victims, he could be a victim.
“In relation to the investigation the IOPC are involved and I’ve just finished with a meeting from them. The family are ok but they are traumatised.”
Mr Yakoob added that Fahir, who was kicked and stamped on by a police officer at Manchester Airport, has a cyst on his brain and his medical condition has worsened since last night.
He added: “Right now the main concern for us and me is that the family receive justice and this no longer happens again. Just imagine a first time visitor to the UK and they get to see the brutality from the UK police.
“They will not want to visit the UK again. I wouldn’t if I saw that sort of brutality by people who were meant to be the protectors of the public and not aggressors and oppressors.
How the police can restore trust after the shocking violence at Manchester airport
Thursday 25 July 2024 16:55
Joe Middleton
Following the release of footage which reportedly shows an officer kicking a man in the head, former chief crown prosecutor Nazir Afzal explains how we can hold law enforcement accountable when it goes too far
Andy Burnham releases new statement ahead of protest outside his office
Thursday 25 July 2024 17:46
Barney Davis
In a statement, Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “The Deputy Mayor and I have now had the opportunity to meet with both the Home Secretary and the regional director of the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
“It was agreed that the IOPC investigation now under way will be carried out as swiftly as possible, will involve community stakeholders and will be truly independent.“The precise arrangements will be set out by the IOPC.
“I hope this provides further reassurance to people that all the right steps are being taken, that all relevant issues will be fully considered and gives people confidence in the process as it moves forward.”
Andy Burnham’s office surrounded by activists after Manchester Airport video
Thursday 25 July 2024 18:16
Barney Davis
Protesters have gathered outside mayor Andy Burnham’s office organised by Stand Up To Racism Manchester.
Around 100 people began chanting ‘No Justice, No Peace’ at the location close to Temple bar where speeches are expected to be held.
It came as a lawyer representing 19 year-old Mohammed Fahir, who was kicked in the video captured at Manchester Airport, has asked people to “pray for his wellbeing.”
Akhmed Yakoob said his client’s condition had worsened and doctors were dealing with a “cyst on the brain.”
Today’s protest has been organised by the Stand Up To Racism Manchester group. Residents, ‘community and faith-based organisations and political representatives’ are expected to attend @MENnewsdesk pic.twitter.com/lJwfFYoJhU
— Imogen Clyde-Smith (@ImogenC_S) July 25, 2024
Update on IOPC investigation into use of force arrest at Manchester Airport
Thursday 25 July 2024 18:22
Barney Davis
IOPC Regional Director Catherine Bates said: “We understand the widespread shock and concern that a video circulated on social media following the arrest of men by Greater Manchester Police at Manchester Airport has caused.
“We are grateful to those who have already been in touch with us and we have now set up a reporting line so that people who may have witnessed or filmed the incident can contact us. This will help as we build up a detailed picture of what happened on the day.”
“We have also received a further referral from Greater Manchester Police in relation to the incident which took place on Tuesday 23 July. The first, received earlier today concerned the use of force by an officer on a man who was detained on the ground. The second relates to the same officer’s use of PAVA spray on another man at the airport.
“We have met with members of the first man’s family today, some of whom were present during the incident, to explain our role and to listen to their concerns. We will keep them updated as our investigation continues.
“We will ensure a robust investigation, independent of police, is carried out to investigate the circumstances that led up to and during the incident at Terminal 2. We know many people have serious questions about what happened and we will work to provide those answers as quickly as we can.”
IOPC investigators have already secured a significant amount of body worn video and CCTV footage which will be subject to detailed analysis.
Pictures from Manchester city centre protest
Thursday 25 July 2024 18:47
Barney Davis
Demonstrators could be heard chanting “Whose streets? Our streets!” and holding up Black Lives Matter signs as they began to march to St Peter’s Square.
‘The ball is now rolling’ Lawyer welcomes IOPC probe
Thursday 25 July 2024 19:14
Barney Davis
Akhmed Yakoob, who has been representing the two injured men, has released a new video welcoming the IOPC investigation into the arrest.
He urged activists to have “a little bit of patience” as protests marched through Manchester city centre.
CASE REFERRED TO THE IOPC‼️#akhmedyakoob #mauriceandrews #law #legal #justice #2024 #trending #viral #police #court #lawyer #suits pic.twitter.com/d3sSySLubt
— Akhmed Yakoob (@Akhmedyakoob1) July 25, 2024
Protesters take over tram lines in Manchester city centre
Thursday 25 July 2024 19:20
Barney Davis
Activists were spotted having a sit-in protest on the tram tracks in St Peter’s Square.
They chanted “No justice, no peace, No racist police” and banged drums bringing the tram network to a temporary halt during rush hour.
Commuters were eventually let out of the halted carriage to find an alternative way home.
The protesters are now occupying the @MCRMetrolink tram line! @gmpolice PLOs watching very closely, doubt we’ll have TAU coming in Harvey handed this time! #ManchesterProtest #ManchesterAirport pic.twitter.com/pM0WF2svmM
— Anthony Bonney ⚪️⚫️ (@AntBShipSpotter) July 25, 2024
‘It could be your mother’ Uncle of men injured in arrest speaks to activists
Thursday 25 July 2024 19:24
Barney Davis
A man claiming to be the uncle of one of the victims thanked the crowds for turning up to the protest.
He said that what happened to his nephew was “absolutely shocking”.
Through a loudspeaker, he said: “It could be your mother, ladies and gentleman once again a massive thank you on behalf of the family from Rochdale”.
Lawyer hits back at Lee Anderson claiming the officer should get a medal
Thursday 25 July 2024 19:34
Barney Davis
Akhmed Yakoob has hit back at Lee Anderson’s comments on the Manchester Airport video.
In response to the footage, Mr Anderson, who defected to Reform from the Conservatives earlier this year, said: “We need to back our police officers”.
“The message I’m getting loud and clear from my constituents is that they are fed up with seeing police dancing around rainbows and being nice to people.
“They want the police to do their job. I think these police yesterday should be commended. In fact, I’d give them a medal.”
Mr Yakoob fired back later on Thursday: “Lee Anderson what if this was your son lying there defenceless? Would you give the police officer a medal for being so barbaric and stamping on his head like that? No you wouldn’t. This is against civilisation here.”
A MEDAL⁉️⁉️#akhmedyakoob #mauriceandrews #law #legal #justice #2024 #trending #viral #police #court #lawyer #suits pic.twitter.com/NgvjacAd8O
— Akhmed Yakoob (@Akhmedyakoob1) July 25, 2024
Police officers move away from angry crowds. chanting ‘shame on you!'
Thursday 25 July 2024 19:39
Barney Davis
Three police officers were seemingly outnumbered by the hundreds of activists chanting “Shame on you” at them in St Peter’s Square.
Dozens of officers were also seen getting out of riot vans further away from the main protest as they observe proceedings from a distance.
3 yellow cops have, just been forced out by chants from the protesters! @MENnewsdesk @ImogenC_S #ManchesterAirport #ManchesterProtest pic.twitter.com/cTPHJLqXqp
— Anthony Bonney ⚪️⚫️ (@AntBShipSpotter) July 25, 2024
In pictures: Angry protesters
Thursday 25 July 2024 20:01
Jane Dalton
Protesters halt trams
Thursday 25 July 2024 20:51
Jane Dalton
Demonstrators briefly stopped trams from moving as they blocked a street. Some staged a sit-down protest.
Don’t let extremists hijack this, say man’s family
Thursday 25 July 2024 20:59
Jane Dalton
The family of the man kicked at Manchester Airport say it is vital not to let extremists of any kind hijack events for their own ends, their MP has said.
Rochdale MP Paul Waugh said the family have no political agenda, do not condone political violence and do not want to take part in any protests.
Some members of the man’s are police officers themselves and are therefore particularly shocked at what they have witnessed, Mr Waugh told other MPs in the Commons.
I have spoken to the family involved in the incident at Manchester Airport on Tuesday night, and it is clear they are deeply traumatised by what happened.
— Paul Waugh MP (@paulwaugh) July 25, 2024
The family, who are my constituents in Rochdale, have two priorities. The first and most immediate priority is the health… pic.twitter.com/7VlrJAZNpn
Man’s family want justice to be done, says MP
Thursday 25 July 2024 21:05
Jane Dalton
The MP for the family of the man kicked at Manchester Airport says they want justice to be done but have appealed for calm.
Paul Waugh’s statement reads: “I have spoken to the family involved in the incident at Manchester Airport on Tuesday night, and it is clear they are deeply traumatised by what happened. The family, who are my constituents in Rochdale, have two priorities.
“The first and most immediate priority is the health and wellbeing of their family members, including their mother.
“Their second priority is the need for justice to be done and seen to be done.
“But the family also want me to make it crystal clear that they have no political agenda, do not condone political violence, and do not want to take part in any protests. They wanted me to appeal for calm and I hope that appeal is heeded.
“And while there is clearly deep concern about this incident, there is also a vital need not to let extremists of any kind hijack these events for their own ends.
“The family have told me they certainly do not want to become the centre of a media circus, either. They want the privacy and time to allow them to heal, physically and mentally.
“This is a hard-working Rochdale family, some of whose members are police officers themselves and are therefore particularly shocked at what they have witnessed. They were grateful that I raised this in the House of Commons today, and I told them I will speak directly to the Home Secretary to pass on their deep concerns.”
Hundreds joined protest in Manchester on Thursday night
Friday 26 July 2024 00:57
Alex Ross
Second referral made by GMP to watchdog
Friday 26 July 2024 02:30
Alex Ross
The police watchdog has received a second referral from Greater Manchester Police following a video which appeared to show a man being kicked as he lay face down on the floor.
Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) regional director Catherine Bates said: “We understand the widespread shock and concern that a video circulated on social media following the arrest of men by Greater Manchester Police at Manchester Airport has caused.
“We are grateful to those who have already been in touch with us and we have now set up a reporting line so that people who may have witnessed or filmed the incident can contact us. This will help as we build up a detailed picture of what happened on the day.
“We have also received a further referral from Greater Manchester Police in relation to the incident which took place on Tuesday July 23.
“The first, received earlier today, concerned the use of force by an officer on a man who was detained on the ground. The second relates to the same officer’s use of Pava spray on another man at the airport.”
Andy Burnham meets Home Secretary and police watchdog boss
Friday 26 July 2024 04:30
Alex Ross
In a statement, Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “The Deputy Mayor and I have now had the opportunity to meet with both the Home Secretary and the regional director of the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
“It was agreed that the IOPC investigation now under way will be carried out as swiftly as possible, will involve community stakeholders and will be truly independent.
“The precise arrangements will be set out by the IOPC.
“I hope this provides further reassurance to people that all the right steps are being taken, that all relevant issues will be fully considered and gives people confidence in the process as it moves forward.”
‘Everyone has the right to a fair hearing’ - police federation
Friday 26 July 2024 06:30
Alex Ross
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police (GMP) Federation said it noted the decision to suspend the officer involved in the incident at Manchester Airport.
He said: “The matter is now under investigation – everyone has the right to a fair hearing where all sides of the story are told and context is provided.
“As their staff association, we are supporting the officer concerned, and all of our colleagues who were involved in this incident, including those who were injured.
“We would also like to thank the many members of the public who have contacted us offering support for our hard-working colleagues doing a difficult and dangerous job. It is appreciated.”
Family at centre of Manchester Airport controversy are ‘traumatised’, says their MP
Friday 26 July 2024 07:45
Tara Cobham
The family at the centre of the Manchester Airport controversy are “traumatised”, their MP has said.
Paul Waugh, the Labour MP for Rochdale met the family after video footage appeared to show a man being kicked on the floor by a police officer in terminal two.
Mr Waugh told BBC Breakfast: “It’s clear from talking to them that they are traumatised. Lots of people saw that video clip and they are distressed by it.
“The police themselves said it was a distressing clip but just imagine if that was your brother or your son in that clip; you can imagine how distraught they are.
“The two priorities of the family is first, the health and the wellbeing of their family – healing and getting better.
“The second priority, is justice and the need for justice not just to be done but seen to be done.”
Family at centre of Manchester Airport controversy are ‘traumatised’, says their MP
Friday 26 July 2024 07:45
Tara Cobham
The family at the centre of the Manchester Airport controversy are “traumatised”, their MP has said.
Paul Waugh, the Labour MP for Rochdale met the family after video footage appeared to show a man being kicked on the floor by a police officer in terminal two.
Mr Waugh told BBC Breakfast: “It’s clear from talking to them that they are traumatised. Lots of people saw that video clip and they are distressed by it.
“The police themselves said it was a distressing clip but just imagine if that was your brother or your son in that clip; you can imagine how distraught they are.
“The two priorities of the family is first, the health and the wellbeing of their family – healing and getting better.
“The second priority, is justice and the need for justice not just to be done but seen to be done.”
Family of man who appeared to be kicked by police appeal for calm
Friday 26 July 2024 07:51
Tara Cobham
The family at the centre of the Manchester Airport police controversy have made an appeal for calm after a video appeared to show a man being kicked on the floor by an officer.
Rochdale Labour MP Paul Waugh told BBC Breakfast: “They have got no political agenda whatsoever.
“They are not going to attend any of these protests and they wanted me to issue an appeal for calm among all different types of communities in Rochdale.
“We have a history of unfortunate division in our town and we do not want to go back to those days.
“Their agenda is simply to find justice after this incident.”
He added: “More importantly, they are acutely aware there are extremists from all sides who are keen to hijack this incident and use it for their own ends – the family are not interested in that at all.”
Tram lines blocked as protests continue over Manchester airport police incident
Friday 26 July 2024 07:52
Tara Cobham
There has been a second night of protests over the man kicked and stamped on by a police officer at Manchester Airport.
Roads and tram lines were blocked in Manchester city centre on Thursday night by people angry at the incident which has led to a Greater Manchester Police officer being suspended.
The family of the man are particularly shocked by what happened because some of their family members are police officers, newly elected Rochdale Labour MP Paul Waugh said after speaking to them.
Read more here:
Watch: Scan reveals man kicked by Manchester police officer has brain cyst, says lawyer
Friday 26 July 2024 08:40
Joe Middleton
Crowd protests outside Andy Burnham’s office after Manchester Airport video
Friday 26 July 2024 09:09
Joe Middleton
Crowds protested outside Andy Burnham‘s office on Thursday after footage showing a police officer kicking a man in the head at Manchester airport emerged on social media.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said three of their officers had been assaulted, including a female PC who suffered a broken nose, and four men were arrested.
GMP later confirmed that an officer had been suspended and Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) regional director Catherine Bates said a “thorough and robust” independent investigation into the incident would be conducted, later adding that the IOPC had received a second referral from GMP.
The Manchester mayor has asked for calm, saying the “right and proper steps” had been taken.
‘Everyone has the right to a fair hearing’ - police federation
Friday 26 July 2024 10:00
Joe Middleton
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police (GMP) Federation said it noted the decision to suspend the officer involved in the incident at Manchester Airport.
He said: “The matter is now under investigation – everyone has the right to a fair hearing where all sides of the story are told and context is provided.
“As their staff association, we are supporting the officer concerned, and all of our colleagues who were involved in this incident, including those who were injured.
“We would also like to thank the many members of the public who have contacted us offering support for our hard-working colleagues doing a difficult and dangerous job. It is appreciated.”
Labour MP warns that ‘extremists’ could exploit Manchester situation
Friday 26 July 2024 10:51
Joe Middleton
Labour’s Rochdale MP has warned that “extremists” could try and exploit the situation that occurred at Manchester Airport.
The footage, filmed at Manchester Airport’s terminal two on Tuesday, appeared to show an officer kick and stamp on the head of a man who was lying face down on the floor, with a woman kneeling beside him.
Speaking the incident, Paul Waugh said: “Extremists of all kinds are going to try and exploit this and hijack it for their own ends and that is the last thing this town needs.
“So, it’s my job to make sure that that family, who have been quite dignified in their response to this, get their wishes, which is to see calm prevail, but also for justice to prevail.”
Asked what he expects to happen next, Mr Waugh said: “I really hope that if there are any protests that they are peaceful, but, that the family’s wishes are adhered to.
“People should listen to them. They’re at the centre of this, at the end of the day, and they are the people who say ‘look, please let us just get on and pursue the independent process now’.
“That’s our focus, as well as making sure that they get the right medical help for their family members.”
ICYMI: Andy Burnham meets Home Secretary and police watchdog boss
Friday 26 July 2024 11:37
Joe Middleton
In a statement, Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “The Deputy Mayor and I have now had the opportunity to meet with both the Home Secretary and the regional director of the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
“It was agreed that the IOPC investigation now under way will be carried out as swiftly as possible, will involve community stakeholders and will be truly independent.
“The precise arrangements will be set out by the IOPC.
“I hope this provides further reassurance to people that all the right steps are being taken, that all relevant issues will be fully considered and gives people confidence in the process as it moves forward.”
Family at centre of Manchester Airport video are traumatised, MP says
Friday 26 July 2024 12:01
Joe Middleton
The family at the centre of the Manchester Airport controversy are “traumatised”, their MP has said.
Paul Waugh, the Labour MP for Rochdale met the family after video footage appeared to show a man being kicked on the floor by a Greater Mancester Police officer in terminal two.
Mr Waugh told BBC Breakfast on Friday (26 July): “It’s clear from talking to them that they are traumatised. Lots of people saw that video clip and they are distressed by it.
“The police themselves said it was a distressing clip but just imagine if that was your brother or your son in that clip; you can imagine how distraught they are.”
Watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is now investigating.
Tram lines blocked as protests continue over Manchester airport police incident
Friday 26 July 2024 13:00
Joe Middleton
There has been a second night of protests over the man kicked and stamped on by a police officer at Manchester Airport.
