A lawyer representing a young man who was kicked as he lay on the floor by a police officer at Manchester Airport has shared further details of the incident.

Akhmed Yakoob, a director at Maurice Andrews Solicitors in Birmingham, shared a video alongside two people named as Amaad and Fahir.

On Wednesday footage was shared on social media showing a Greater Manchester Police officer kick and stamp on the head of a man who was lying face down on the floor, with a woman kneeling beside him. The woman who was the man’s brother was attempting to shield the man.

The video also appeared to show the officer strike a second man.
Greater Manchester Police said on yesterday, the incident following an earlier altercation where three officers were ‘violently assaulted’. 

Mr Yakoob said the pair had just been released from Cheadle Police Station and made their own way to hospital. This despite having head injuries.

Mr Yakoob said: “I've documented their injuries and we are headed to Rochdale police station to make a formal complaint of assault and wounding against the police officers.”

It came as further footage was shared during Wednesday night of incidents leading up to later events.

In one video officers can be seen addressing three men who appear not to be resisting. Then an officer tasers a man who is then hauled to the floor. Another man is also hauled to floor.

Elsewhere, officers are asking another man to hand over a phone believing it was one of the officers.

Overnight protests were held outside Rochdale Police Station.
Crowds of people gathered outside a police station in a late-night protest over a video which appeared to show an officer kicking a man as he lay on the floor.

Demonstrators were reported to have shouted “GMP shame on you” as an estimated 200 people gathered outside Rochdale Police Station on Wednesday night at the protest, which police said concluded “without incident”.

Police said following a thorough review of further information that has become available in relation to an incident at Manchester Airport on Tuesday evening, Greater Manchester Police has suspended a police officer from all duties.

The statement added: “A referral has now been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct for a full independent investigation.

“We understand the deep concerns that have been widely raised with us, and will continue to meet and discuss these feelings with Greater Manchester residents and elected representatives, whilst this independent investigation takes place.”

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) Assistant Chief Constable Wasim Chaudhry said: “A protest held last night outside Rochdale Police Station about our response at Manchester Airport has concluded safely, without incident.

“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.

“We have already referred our actions to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and will be in further discussions with them today.

“We have spent the evening listening to community feedback and will continue to engage with communities and elected members to maintain strong partnership links and understand local views.”
Describing the video as “truly shocking”, he earlier confirmed the male officer has been “removed from operational duties”.

 

 

The force has said officers were responding to reports of an altercation between members of the public.

Mr Chaudhry added: “During our response, three officers were assaulted.

“One female officer suffered a broken nose and the other officers were forced to the ground and suffered injuries which required hospital treatment.”

Home Office minister Dame Diana Johnson posted on X, formerly Twitter: “I am aware of disturbing footage from an incident at Manchester Airport this afternoon 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 said he had raised concerns about the airport incident with the deputy chief constable.

He 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.”