A distressing video clip was captured featuring a police officer stopping a man’s head and kicking him while he was down on the ground following a fight at Manchester Airport. Here’s the story.
“Brutal Force”
A disturbing video clip from BBC News shows a Greater Manchester police officer (GMP) who kicked and stomped on a man’s head. In the video, the man was already down on the ground as the police kicked and stomped him.
Traumatised Family Members
Akhmed Yakoob, the solicitor representing the family, said that the family of the man in the footage, 19-year-old Fahir Khan, was “left traumatised.”
A Violent Fight
Violence broke out involving four men aged 19, 25, 28, and 31, at the Manchester airport, and it involved “assault” and “affray,” the BBC reported.
“Truly Shocking”
According to The Guardian, a GMP constable, Wasim Chaudhry, described the incident as “shocking.”
It Was Unusual
Chaudhry said the public was “rightly and extremely concerned.” He also added that using such force in an arrest is an unusual occurrence and one that we understand creates alarm.”
Suspended Officer
The officer who struck Fahir Khan was suspended, according to the GMP.
The Police Department Recounts Events
The GMP’s spokesperson said that the incident occurred after the men assaulted the police officers when they tried to break up a fight. There were weapons involved, and it was a “clear risk.”
More Casualties
There was also an emergency worker assaulted by the men, and a female police officer’s nose was broken. The other two officers who were also assaulted suffered injuries that led to hospitalisation, the Guardian reported.
“Defending Their Mother”
Some bystanders claimed the brothers Fahir and Amaad Khan were defending their mother, who had arrived at gate 2. The mother allegedly pointed out the man who made racist remarks to her and shoved her at baggage claims. The events reportedly happened after the flight from Pakistan landed, the Daily Mail reported.
There Were Many Witnesses
The incident has different variations, and many people have witnessed it.
Policing Minister Wants Answers
The policing minister, Dame Diana, left a statement on X (formerly Twitter). She noted that she was aware of the incident at the Manchester airport with the disturbing footage. She also said that she had requested a full update from the GMP, The Guardian reported.
The Greater Manchester Mayor
The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, told BBC Radio Manchester that he has seen the “full footage” and said it was “a fast-moving and complicated situation in a challenging location.” He also added that it wasn’t “clear cut.”
Starting an Investigation of the Events
The Mayor also added that a thorough investigation would be conducted to get answers. He confirmed that the “right and proper” steps have been taken.
It’s Concerning
Yvette Cooper, UK’s Home Security, said there was a “deep concern” regarding the footage.
The Public Protests
The public staged a sit-down protest, causing some tram services to be suspended. Many people protested in front of the Rochdale police station. Some attending Rochdale protestors were seen throwing eggs at the police building.
Family Is a Police Member
The solicitor of the family of the man had said the man who the officer assaulted had a police family member. Yakoob said that since this happened to his family in Manchester, he was afraid to go to work for fear of his safety.
The Family Has No Political Agenda
The Rochdale MP Waugh said that he has spoken to the man’s family and said the family wanted him to make it clear that they have no political agenda, don’t condone political violence, and don’t wish to participate in any protests.
Health a Priority
Waugh said in a statement that the health and well-being of the family members and their mother were priorities.
A Process to Follow
Prime Minister Keir Starmer told the public that there was “a process” to follow after these events and the suspension of the GMP officer.
Upcoming Hearing
The spokesperson for the GMP mentioned that “everyone has the right to a fair hearing,” where all sides to the story are heard.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / R Heilig.