Police officer kicks and stamps on man's head at Manchester Airport | UK News

A police officer armed with a Taser kicked and stamped on a man's head as he was lying face down on the ground at Manchester Airport.

A second man was also struck by the officer.

The incident was filmed and has been widely circulated on social media.

Following the incident, Assistant Chief Constable Wasim Chaudhry of Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said one officer "has been removed from operational duties".

But, it is understood the officer has not been suspended.

ACC Chaudhry said: "We know that a film of an incident at Manchester Airport that is circulating widely shows an event that is truly shocking, and that people are rightly extremely concerned about.

"The use of such force in an arrest is an unusual occurrence and one that we understand creates alarm."

GMP said officers had been responding to reports of an assault at Terminal 2 at 8.25pm on Tuesday.

"The alleged suspect was seen on CCTV at a ticket machine in the car park and officers attended the location to arrest him," ACC Chaudhry said.

During the response, police said three officers were assaulted. One female officer suffered a broken nose, while the other officers were forced to the ground and suffered injuries that required hospital treatment.

Earlier, GMP said "as the attending officers were firearms officers, there was a clear risk during this assault of their firearms being taken from them". They said they "acknowledged the concerns of the conduct within the video".

Four men have been arrested over the incident. Two on suspicion of assault, assault of an emergency worker, affray, and obstructing police and another two on suspicion of affray and assault of an emergency worker.

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One man 'pinned against the wall'

Eyewitness Amar told Sky News he had heard shouting as he was turning the corner in the area. He heard: "You're under arrest, you're wanted."

He said he then saw one man being "pinned against the wall", before "pushing and shoving."

Amar said he believes it was then that the man's brother came "running over" - before being pushed to the floor and "kicked" by police.

Force refer themselves to IOPC

Manchester Airport said: "We are aware of an incident involving Greater Manchester Police officers that took place yesterday and, as a result, the force is investigating the matter.

"We will support the investigation in any way possible."

Police said they are making "a voluntary referral of our policing response to the Independent Office of Police Conduct".

An IOPC spokesperson said: "We understand a voluntary referral is being made by Greater Manchester Police, which we will assess once received and decide what further action is required from us."

Home Office minister Dame Diana Johnson said: "I am aware of disturbing footage from an incident at Manchester Airport... and understand the public concern it has prompted. I have asked for a full update from Greater Manchester Police."

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham added he raised concerns with the force's deputy chief constable, and said: "I have seen the disturbing video footage circulating of a GMP officer at Manchester Airport and recognise the widespread and deep concern this has caused in Greater Manchester and beyond.

"The deputy mayor and I have raised these concerns with the deputy chief constable."

On Wednesday evening protesters gathered outside Rochdale police station - where those involved are believed to be from - to demonstrate against the actions of the officers involved.

The protest was peaceful and those involved eventually dispersed without incident.

ACC Chaudhry said: "We understand the immense feeling of concern and worry that people feel about our response and fully respect their right to demonstrate their views peacefully."