A police officer from the Greater Manchester Police has been suspended from duty after a video emerged showing him kicking a man at Manchester Airport. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched a criminal investigation into the officer for assault based on the video that surfaced on 23 July, showing the officer kicking suspect Mohammed Fahir, 19, while he was being restrained on the floor.
The incident sparked protests in the city center and Rochdale, but new CCTV footage has shed light on the events leading up to the viral scene. The Manchester Evening News obtained a video showing two men attacking one male and two female police officers just moments before the controversial incident. This new footage has prompted the Greater Manchester Police Federation to defend the police officers involved, claiming that the incident should be seen in a different light and emphasizing the need to protect law enforcement.
Richard Cooke, chairman of the West Midlands Police Federation, also expressed agreement with the Greater Manchester Police Federation’s stance, stating that the new video provides a different perspective on the events that transpired at Manchester Airport.
The recently released video footage shows the chaos that unfolded before the man was kicked in the head by the police officer. Three police officers, including one male and two females, can be seen approaching two men near a ticket machine. One of the men, dressed in a light blue outfit, is restrained by the officers, while the other man in a black t-shirt begins to attack the male officer leading the restraint. A scuffle breaks out, with the man in the black t-shirt punching the male officer and knocking down the two female officers.
The male officer eventually uses a taser on the man in the black t-shirt, who continues to resist and assault the officers. After a struggle, the male officer kicks the man in the head while he is on the ground. This new footage provides context to the initial video that went viral and sparked outrage.
The emergence of this new video has raised questions about the events leading up to the controversial incident at Manchester Airport. It highlights the challenges faced by police officers in volatile situations and underscores the importance of considering all perspectives before passing judgment. As the investigation into this incident continues, it is crucial to gather all relevant information to ensure a fair and thorough assessment of the events that unfolded.
