Manchester Police chief issues statement on stamp video and says only ‘some communities’ were ‘shocked’ by incident

A chief constable from Manchester Police has claimed that only “some communities” were “shocked” by footage of an officer kicking a man in the head.

The viral clip shows a policeman, who was accompanied by two-other taser-wielding officers, violently kick and stamp on the head of a man who was lying face down at Manchester Airport.

The 44-second video, which circulated on social media earlier this week, sparked outrage online, with protests breaking out in Rochdale and Manchester.

The officer involved was consequently suspended and an investigation has been launched by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable, Stephen Watson QPM has since shared a statement, where he stated that the force is committed to aiding the IOPC’s investigation.

He 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 and this will continue – we are at one with the best instincts of those engaged in appealing for calm.”

He added: “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 IOPC.

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Yesterday, the IOPC confirmed that the officer in the footage is under criminal investigation for assault, however stressed that the investigation will not necessarily result in criminal charges. After the probe is complete, a decision will be made on whether they will refer the case to the Crown Prosecution Service.

In a statement, they said: “The IOPC has advised a police constable he is being criminally investigated over the force used during an incident in which a number of men were arrested at Manchester Airport on Tuesday 23 July.

“We notified the Greater Manchester Police officer today – Friday – that he is under criminal investigation for assault. We have also served the police constable with a disciplinary notice to inform him he is being investigated for potential gross misconduct for a number of alleged breaches of police professional standards including his use of force.

“The serving of notices does not necessarily mean criminal charges will follow. At the end of our investigation we will decide whether to refer the matter to the Crown Prosecution Service for a charging decision and decide whether the officer should face disciplinary proceedings.”

The force claimed three officers had been assaulted in the incident, with a female constable suffering a broken nose, and four men were arrested following the altercation at Terminal 2.

Muhammed Fahir, the man who was kicked in the clip, has since developed a cyst on his brain, his lawyer has claimed.

During an address outside Rochdale Police Station, lawyer Akhmed Yakoob claimed a CT scan showed a cyst and that Fahir’s condition had worsened overnight.

Yakoob also revealed Fahir is related to someone who works as a police officer for the force, who is now “afraid to go to work”.