Second police officer investigated over Manchester Airport incident

A second officer is now being investigated

A second police officer is under criminal investigation for assault in connection with an incident at Manchester Airport last month.

This development follows the circulation of a viral video depicting a man being kicked in the head by a Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officer in July, which sparked a protest of approximately 200 people at Rochdale Police Station.
 

Read more: "Two sides of the story" - thousands sign petition to reinstate GMP officer suspended after viral kicking videoPublished: 29 July 2024

Three days after the video surfaced, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed that an officer was being investigated for potential criminal activity.

This week, the IOPC announced that a second officer is now under investigation, following a complaint submitted by one of the individuals involved in the incident, which was referred to the IOPC by GMP.

The second officer is also being investigated for possible gross misconduct, including concerns over the use of force, according to the IOPC. However, the initiation of an IOPC investigation does not necessarily mean that criminal charges or misconduct proceedings will ensue.

Separately, police are conducting their own investigation to determine whether any criminal offences were committed by members of the public involved in the altercation. Four men remain on bail after being arrested in relation to the incident.

Greater Manchester Police stated that three officers were assaulted during the airport incident, including a female constable who sustained a broken nose after being struck.
 

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

The IOPC has confirmed it is examining the use of force by officers against two men and a woman during an initial confrontation near the car park payment machines at the airport, which led to the arrest of the two men. Additionally, the watchdog is investigating the force used on three others in a subsequent incident, during which two men were arrested, and one of them was subjected to pepper spray.

The IOPC will assess whether the officers' actions complied with police policies and procedures, and whether "discriminatory behaviour" played a role.

Catherine Bates, IOPC regional director, described the incident as "complex and escalating rapidly," and made assurances that efforts are being made to piece together all relevant events. Family members of those involved have been briefed on the investigation, and Ms Bates has urged anyone with pertinent information or video footage to come forward.