A large crowd of protesters gathered outside a Rochdale police station overnight following the release of a video that captured a violent incident at Manchester Airport. The footage showed a man being kicked in the head by an officer during his arrest, sparking widespread outrage and demonstrations.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday evening at Manchester Airport’s Terminal 2, involved the arrest of four men after police responded to reports of an assault.
The situation escalated rapidly, with the use of Tasers, incapacitant spray, and physical restraint by officers. One particular scene, where a police officer kicked and stamped on the head of a man already subdued on the ground, has fueled accusations of excessive force.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed that the men were taken into custody at Rochdale Police Station, leading to a spontaneous protest by hundreds chanting “GMP, shame on you.” The demonstrators used megaphones to amplify their chants and express their frustration with the police’s actions, which they labeled as “institutionally racist.
During the demonstration, local community leaders and a spokesperson encouraged peaceful protest, emphasizing the importance of maintaining calm while demanding justice. The scene outside the police station was charged with emotion as the community reacted to what many perceived as a brutal abuse of power.
GMP has since referred itself to the independent police watchdog, and one officer involved in the incident has been removed from active duty, though not suspended. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with police urging witnesses and anyone with additional footage to come forward to aid in the investigation.
The incident has attracted significant attention, including comments from local politicians. Paul Waugh, Rochdale’s newly elected Labour MP, expressed his shock and concern on social media, promising to meet with the affected family and ensure a thorough investigation is carried out.
