A senior councillor has told how she is has been left 'disturbed' by a video of the Manchester Airport incident and has written to the local police chief in Bury.
Footage, filmed at Manchester Airport’s terminal two on Tuesday, appeared to show an officer kick and stamp on the head of a man who was lying face down on the floor, with a woman kneeling beside him.
The video also appeared to show the officer strike a second man.
Police said three of their officers had been assaulted, including a female police constable who suffered a broken nose, and four men were arrested.
In a statement, Cllr Sandra Walmsley said she is “disturbed” by the incident and has written to Bury Chief Superintendent, Chris Hill, and Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester, Kate Green to “outline the concerns of the council and our communities in Bury.”
READ MORE: Manchester Airport: Police officer suspended after video emerges
Cllr Walmsley is the Cabinet Member for Communities and Inclusion and became a Moorside councillor for Labour in 2010.
She said: "I am most disturbed by the video footage involving Greater Manchester Police at Manchester Airport in what appears to show a GMP officer assaulting a suspect while restrained on the ground."
She added: “Whilst I am please to see a referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, it’s important to recognise that we expect all GMP officers to carry out their duties to a high professional standard and in line with the law.”
Statement from Councillor Sandra Walmsley - Cabinet Member for Communities & Inclusion about the incident at Manchester Airport. pic.twitter.com/2MtIYNG0sQ
— Bury Council (@BuryCouncil) July 25, 2024
Roads and tram lines were blocked in Manchester city centre on Thursday night by people angry at the incident which has led to a Greater Manchester Police officer being suspended.
Videos online appeared to show a handful of demonstrators with their faces covered, throwing eggs at Rochdale police station on Thursday night.
Protesters also gathered outside the office of Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham as part of a Stand Up To Racism demonstration, marching through the city blocking roads and tram lines.
READ MORE: Manchester Airport: Protest at police station after video of attack
Paul Waugh, Labour and Co-Operative MP for Rochdale, has spoken to the family involved in the Tuesday night incident, who are his constituents.
Mr Waugh said: “This is a hardworking Rochdale family, some of whose members are police officers themselves and are therefore particularly shocked at what they have witnessed.”
He continued: “The family also want me to make it crystal clear that they have no political agenda, do not condone political violence and do not want to take part in any protests.
“They wanted me to appeal for calm and I hope that appeal is heeded.”
READ MORE: Manchester Airport: Family appeal for calm after distressing incident
GMP said in an earlier statement that it understood the "immense feeling of concern and worry that people feel" after the footage of the incident emerged.
A police spokesperson confirmed that an officer has since been suspended.
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