A video appearing to show a police officer kicking a man as he lies on the floor is being “assessed” by professional standards, a force has said.
The footage, shared on social media, is said to have been filmed at Manchester Airport’s Terminal Two on Tuesday and shows the 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.
We are aware of a video that is circulating online which shows our firearms officers responding to an incident at Manchester Airport.
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) July 24, 2024
Please find our full statement below. pic.twitter.com/XK6uo5bxdk
Greater Manchester Police acknowledged concerns about “conduct within the video” and said firearms officers had been responding to reports of an altercation between members of the public.
A force spokesman said: “Whilst attempting to arrest one of the suspects of the earlier altercation, three officers were subject to a violent assault, where they were punched to the ground.
“A female officer suffered a broken nose and all three were taken to hospital for treatment.
“As the attending officers were firearms officers, there was a clear risk during this assault of their firearms being taken from them.
“Four men were arrested at the scene for affray and assault on emergency service workers.
“We acknowledge the concerns of the conduct within the video and our Professional Standards Directorate are assessing this.”
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.”
