A British police officer is under criminal investigation after a video surfaced online of a suspect being kicked and stamped on during an arrest at Manchester Airport. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed that they are conducting a criminal investigation and are planning to interview the officer involved soon. The officer has been suspended from all duties.
The incident, which occurred on July 23, has sparked public outrage and led to protests in Manchester and Rochdale. The IOPC is examining the level of force used and is working to determine the circumstances leading up to the incident. Greater Manchester Police stated that three officers were assaulted while apprehending the suspect, with one officer suffering a broken nose.
Following Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham viewing the full footage, he stated that the situation was not clear-cut and that there were issues on both sides. In total, four men were arrested in connection to the incident, with charges including assault and assaulting an emergency worker.
The use of force in the arrest has been described as an unusual occurrence by the police, acknowledging that it can create alarm. The investigation is ongoing, with further details awaited as the IOPC interviews the officer involved. Public scrutiny has led to demands for accountability and reform within the police force in order to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
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