Protest erupts after video shows police officer kicking man at UK’s Manchester Airport

Crowd accuses police of institutional racism, demands accountability, say press reports

Hundreds of protesters gathered outside a police station in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, after a video emerged showing a police officer kicking a man in the head at Manchester Airport, press reports said on Thursday. A crowd of people protested outside a police station in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, in response to the video. Chanting "shame on you," the protesters accused the police of institutional racism, according to the BBC. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) acknowledged the "immense feeling of concern" and respected the right to protest, noting that the demonstration ended "safely without incident." The incident, which took place on Tuesday evening, was captured on video and widely shared on social media. The footage shows a male police officer holding a Taser over a man lying face down on the floor. The officer then appears to stamp on and kick the man in the head, while other officers shout at onlookers to stay back. GMP described the video as "truly shocking" and has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for investigation. One officer involved has been removed from operational duties. The protest saw several hundred people gather outside the police station. According to the Manchester Evening News, one protester told the crowd they would "no longer settle" for "police brutality." GMP reported that its officers were called to Terminal 2 of Manchester Airport at 8.25 p.m. local time (1925GMT) on Tuesday due to reports of a fight. During the arrest, three officers were violently attacked, with one suffering a broken nose and all three requiring hospital treatment. GMP stated that four men were arrested at the scene for affray and assault on emergency service workers. A spokesperson for the force said there was a clear risk of firearms being taken during the assault. The IOPC is currently assessing GMP's referral to decide on further action. Witness Amar Minhas from Leeds told the BBC he saw police approach one of the men, telling him he was wanted, before pinning him against a wall. Another man then "started on the police" and a fight ensued, during which the man being pinned began "throwing punches, was Tasered, and fell to the floor." Minhas said: "That’s when the policeman kicked him." Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham described the video as "disturbing" and acknowledged the "widespread and deep concern" it caused. He raised his concerns with GMP's deputy chief constable. Andy George, the president of the National Black Police Association, called the video "difficult to watch," emphasizing the high standards to which police are held. Home Office Minister Dame Diana Johnson expressed her concern on social media, stating that she had requested a full update from GMP. Assistant Chief Constable Wasim Chaudhry of GMP acknowledged the public's alarm over the video and confirmed that the use of such force was an unusual occurrence. Commenting on the Rochdale protest, Chaudhry affirmed the force's respect for peaceful demonstrations and commitment to engaging with the community.