"Profound regret" - GMP chief constable speaks out over Manchester Airport video
Date published: 29 July 2024

Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, Stephen Watson
Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable has spoken of his “profound regret” at the shock and upset caused in the community by the footage from Manchester – showing a GMP officer kicking a man in the head.
Having called for calm, the police chief said that voices in the community will be heard, and that the force is “at one with the best instincts” of those who want to solve the issue calmly.
Chief Constable Watson said: “It is a source of profound regret that this week’s incident at Manchester Airport has caused shock and upset in some of our communities.
“Throughout this week, senior officers have been meeting with community representatives to ensure their voices are heard. This will continue – we are at one with the best instincts of those engaged in appealing for calm.
“Whilst we are constrained in publicly releasing further information or footage about the incident due to the conduct and criminal investigations, we are committed to providing the fullest practical assistance to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.”
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