Andy Burnham issues update on airport incident where officer stamps on man's head

Andy Burnham has issued an update on the ‘disturbing’ incident which saw a GMP officer kick a suspect’s head while he was on the floor.

The footage went viral on social media on Wednesday, 26 July showing the fracas between the suspect and several police officers, some of them holding tasers, take place in Manchester Airport Terminal 2 on Tuesday evening. GMP said the officer in question has been ‘suspended from all duties’.
 

Read more: Hundreds protest at police station after it emerges man in shocking airport footage is from Rochdale Published: 25 July 2024

Now, Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has issued an update on the fall-out of what he called a ‘melee’. Speaking on BBC Radio Manchester’s ‘In The Hotseat’ phone-in, he told listeners: “It’s a serious incident and it’s caused a huge amount of concern. Many people have seen the footage. I had the reaction that most people had, and it’s very disturbing.

“I have now had the opportunity to look at the full footage and the events leading up to it. Let me be really clear: Firstly I would say it’s a fast-moving and complicated situation in a challenging location. It’s not clear either way, I would say, and there are issues for both sides.”

The mayor added: “That said, it’s right the officer has been suspended. The question is where do we go from here.

“Firstly, as mayor, I would ask for calm. I can assure you the right and proper steps have been taken in the right way. Time has to be taken to get a clearer picture of what’s happened.

“The investigation needs to proceed in a thorough and measured way. That said, I will be speaking to the IOPC to work with us to ensure there are the highest levels of independence and [get] input from community stakeholders. They are disturbing images and the right process has been taken by GMP.”

Mr Burnham’s appeal for calm comes after crowds gathered outside Rochdale police station in protest on Wednesday night — where it’s thought those involved are from.

During the protest, demonstrators, some wearing face coverings and chanting ‘GMP shame on you’, were pictured outside the building, while others present let off fireworks. A witness estimated there were around 200 people in attendance.

Police said the protest ‘concluded safely’ and that police ‘fully respect their right to demonstrate their views peacefully’. Paul Waugh, Labour and Co-Operative MP for Rochdale, released a statement on the incident in the early hours of this morning.

Regarding the suspension Greater Manchester 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.” 

“A referral has now been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) 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.”

Ethan Davies, Local democracy reporter