A serious inquiry has commenced concerning a Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officer who was recorded on camera kicking and stamping on a man at Manchester Airport. The disturbing event, widely circulated on social media, has drawn the attention of the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which has launched a criminal investigation into the officer’s actions.

The video footage captured the officer aggressively kicking and stomping on a man lying face-down on the floor, next to a woman kneeling beside him. Subsequent scenes in the video show the same officer deploying pepper spray against another individual before physically restraining him. This sequence of events has ignited significant public outcry and debate over police conduct.

Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that the officer in question was suspended on Thursday following the incident. They also reported that three officers were assaulted during the incident, resulting in injuries including a broken nose sustained by a female constable.

Amidst the unfolding situation, Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, appealed for calm and highlighted the complexity of the situation depicted in the footage. He emphasized that while the footage raised serious concerns, the context was a “fast-moving and complicated” scenario that required thorough investigation.

Paul Waugh, Labour MP for Rochdale, echoed the need for a balanced response, cautioning against the potential exploitation of the incident for extremist purposes. He mentioned that the family of the man involved in the altercation had requested peace and clarified that they do not endorse any political motives tied to the incident.

The IOPC’s investigation will seek to uncover the full details of the altercation and determine the appropriateness of the officer’s actions under the circumstances. Public and political figures alike are calling for patience and restraint as the investigation proceeds.