Did UK Police Assault Pakistani-Origin Men At Manchester Airport? Here's What Happened

Videos of police officers beating men at Manchester Airport have caused an outcry in the UK.

At least one officer has been suspended after footage surfaced showing a man being kicked while lying on the floor. The incident took place in Terminal 2 of Manchester Airport on Tuesday.

Manchester Airport Incident : A Moment Of Truth

A viral video, reported by CNN, shows an officer kicking and stomping on the head of a man lying on the airport floor. Two officers are seen pointing a taser at the man before one kicks him in the face and stomps on his head. Nearby, a woman is seen kneeling beside the man, while another man with raised hands is wrestled to the ground after an officer points a taser at him.

This second man is kicked and restrained by another officer. Another video shows a man in a gray T-shirt being pepper-sprayed and wrestled to the ground by a police officer, as reported by Geo News.

UK Police Assault Pakistani-Origin Men Background and Identities

One of the men beaten by police is identified as British-Pakistani, according to The Tribune. CNN reports that one man is from Rochdale. Yahoo News identifies the men as Amaad and Fahir, represented by Akhmed Yakoob, a director at Maurice Andrews Solicitors in Birmingham.

Police Response On Manchester Airport Incident

The police stated that the incident occurred after three officers responded to reports of an assault at Terminal 2. Three officers were injured in a "violent assault," with one female officer suffering a broken nose and requiring hospital treatment.

The police acknowledged concerns about the officers' behavior, stating that the Professional Standards Directorate is assessing the conduct shown in the video. Four men were arrested at the scene for affray and assault on emergency service workers, as per geo news reports.

Public Reacts and Protests After UK Police Assault Pakistani-Origin Men

The videos led to protests outside the Greater Manchester Police (GMP) divisional headquarters in Rochdale, with large crowds chanting "GMP shame on you." The police suspended an officer after a thorough review of the information and referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct for a full independent investigation. The demonstration concluded without incident.

Official Statements On The Horrifying Incident

Assistant Chief Constable Wasim Chaudhry described the video as "truly shocking," acknowledging the public's concerns. He noted that the use of such force in an arrest is unusual and alarming. The incident adds to the rising distrust of police in Britain, following allegations of excessive force against ethnic minorities and recent scandals involving police officers, as per media reports.

Political and Public Figures' Reactions

Paul Waugh, the area's representative in Parliament, expressed concern and planned to meet with the involved family. UK Home Office Minister Diana Johnson acknowledged the disturbing footage and public concern. However, Richard Tice, deputy leader of the right-wing Reform UK, found the police response "reassuring," suggesting it indicated a serious issue.

This incident at Manchester Airport has sparked widespread outrage and calls for an independent investigation. The actions of the officers and the subsequent public response highlight ongoing concerns about police conduct and accountability in the UK.