Manchester airport attack: Police issue new statement after officer investigated for crime

A new statement has been released by the chief constable of Greater Manchester Police after a video emerged showing an officer kicking and stamping on a man at Manchester Airport.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said on Friday that the police officer had been informed that he was being investigated for assault. The officer was also given a disciplinary notice to inform him that he is being investigated for potential serious misconduct for a number of alleged breaches of police professional standards, including the use of force, a spokesman said.

And GMP Chief Constable Stephen Watson said on Friday night: “It is a source of deep regret that this week’s incident at Manchester Airport has caused shock and upset in some of our communities.

“Throughout this week, senior officers have been meeting with community representatives to ensure their voices are heard and this will continue – we are one with the best instincts of those involved in appealing for calm. While we are constrained to publicly release additional information or footage of the incident as a result of the conduct and criminal investigations, we are committed to providing the fullest practical assistance to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.”

It comes after two nights of protests in Rochdale and Manchester city center following video shared on social media and filmed at the airport’s terminal two on Tuesday, which showed an officer kicking and stamping on the head of a man who was lying face down. on the floor, with a woman kneeling beside him. The video also appears to show the officer hitting a second man.

IOPC regional director Catherine Bates said: “We can confirm that we are conducting a criminal investigation into the use of force during the events that took place on July 23 at Manchester Airport. We are arranging to interview a police officer under criminal caution as soon as possible.

“I met one of the men involved and members of his family today to outline our investigation and we will continue to keep them and Greater Manchester Police informed as our inquiries progress. We will speak to the man involved in the second incident as soon as we can.

“The family has asked me to reiterate the call for peace and would like to emphasize that they do not condone any act of violence as a result of this incident. We are meeting with a number of community leaders in Rochdale this afternoon to listen to their concerns and explain our role.”

Following the IOPC’s investigation, decisions will be made on whether to refer the matter to the Crown Prosecution Service for a charging decision and whether the officer should face disciplinary proceedings, the spokesman said. A number of politicians called for calm following the demonstrations organized after the video emerged.

On Wednesday evening, crowds gathered outside Rochdale Police Station in protest, and videos on Thursday evening showed a handful of demonstrators throwing eggs at the building. Roads and tram lines were blocked in Manchester city center during a Stand Up To Racism demonstration which began outside Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham’s office on Thursday.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Mr Burnham said he had met around 40 community partners in Rochdale. He said: “What people here don’t want – and I heard it very clearly in the room this morning – is politicians without the facts to exploit the situation for their own political agenda without regard to the effect on the ground in communities . in Greater Manchester.

“I want to close by repeating the call for calm, especially this coming weekend. Things are now moving forward, the right steps are being taken and people’s voices are being heard. It is in everyone’s interest that we proceed with things in a measured and peaceful manner from here.”