New Delhi: In a recent incident in the UK, a police officer from Britain has been suspended after a disturbing video surfaced online, depicting him kicking and stomping on a man’s head at Manchester Airport. This upsetting footage, which spread rapidly on the internet, has sparked widespread outrage on social media and resulted in demonstrations outside a police station in Rochdale, Manchester.
Brutal attack on innocent or complaint Asian men at Manchester Airport! This is by no means self defence no matter what the police say! @brianrickers1 @SandwellSkidder @gsjosan @Cllr_Oldbury @ExpressandStar @JamieB_News pic.twitter.com/bh7iWDJoAq
— 𝘽𝙖𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙩 𝙆𝙝𝙖𝙣 (@bash2905) July 24, 2024
Outbreak of Protests in Rochdale
Demonstrators expressed their frustration over the incident outside the Rochdale Divisional Headquarters on July 24, 2024. A chaotic scene at Terminal 2 of the airport was captured in a video filmed by a bystander, showing numerous officers using tasers to subdue two suspects. The footage depicts one officer aggressively striking a man on the ground and another individual being hit in the head by an officer.
Protest outside Rochdale Police Station due to the police attack on a Muslim family at Manchester airport
Our message is…..We demand the police officers are sacked TODAY. We’re tired of Islamophobic Britain. Enough is enough.
Greater Manchester Police, Shame on you.#UK… pic.twitter.com/3MPdaGKleU
— Zara (@zarahussain999) July 25, 2024
Response of Police Officials
In light of the video’s publication, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) disclosed on Thursday that a police officer implicated in the event has been placed on suspension from all responsibilities. The department affirmed that they are undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of the circumstances and have voluntarily referred the matter to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) for additional scrutiny.
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. pic.twitter.com/nDPp9XZayD
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) July 25, 2024
Public Reaction and Media Coverage
There has been a significant public outcry following the incident, with demonstrators outside the police station chanting “Shame on you, GMP.” The release of the footage has sparked widespread debate and criticism, shedding light on issues related to police behavior and the use of force. Home Office Minister Diana Johnson has recognized the public’s concerns and called the video “deeply troubling”. Rochdale’s local MP, Paul Waugh, also expressed serious unease about the “shocking” video and has made contact with the family of the arrested man and has committed to meet with them to provide assistance and thoroughly discuss about the situation.
As the investigation progresses, the primary focus remains on ensuring accountability and addressing the serious concerns raised by the incident. The IOPC’s involvement seeks to offer an impartial evaluation of the police response and the conduct of the officers involved