A British policeman has been suspended following the emergence of multiple videos on social media depicting officers beating at least three individuals inside Manchester Airport. The incident has been labeled as 'truly shocking' by the city's own police force.
The viral videos show one officer kicking and stomping on the head of a man in a prone position, sparking public and political debate in Britain over police violence and accusations of racism.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) stated that the footage on social media captured a confrontation that ensued after three officers were injured in a 'violent assault,' with one female officer sustaining a broken nose.
While GMP acknowledged the incident as 'truly shocking' and an 'unusual occurrence,' they voluntarily referred themselves to Britain's independent police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), for a thorough investigation. The IOPC has confirmed the launch of an investigation into the matter.
The officer seen in the videos has been suspended, and the police have announced their removal from operational duties.
A solicitor for the family of the man subjected to the stomping incident revealed that the man's medical condition deteriorated overnight, with a scan showing a cyst on his brain. The family has lodged a complaint against the police.
The videos, which circulated widely on social media, depict disturbing scenes of police officers pointing tasers at individuals, kicking them, and using force to restrain them. The footage has triggered public outrage and calls for accountability.
The aftermath of the confrontation remains unclear, with reports of individuals being pepper-sprayed, wrestled to the ground, and left in distress. The incident has raised concerns about police conduct and the use of force in law enforcement operations.