Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burham was quick to make announcements on social media regarding the "disturbing video footage circulating of a GMP officer at Manchester Airport". Mr Burnham has also conducted meetings with the Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and the regional director of the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
Original footage of the Manchester Airport incident was edited to show a police officer kicking a man in the head. The footage didn't show what led up to the event.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) have said that the officer has been advised he was under criminal investigation for assault.
The Manchester Evening News has since obtained a video which shows the chaotic scenes leading up to the police officer's actions. Three police officers were viciously attacked, with all three police officers suffering head injuries, including a female constable who suffered a broken nose.
Reform UK MP Lee Anderson has been heavily supportive of the police officers. On learning of the new footage Mr Anderson posted to X:
"This is sick.
"These animals need locking up. I stand by what I said.
"Over to you @AndyBurnhamGM"
https://twitter.com/LeeAndersonMP_/status/1817257056518254916
Announcements made by Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham
"I have seen the disturbing video footage circulating of a GMP officer at Manchester Airport and recognise the widespread and deep concern this has caused in Greater Manchester and beyond.
"The Deputy Mayor and I have raised these concerns with the Deputy Chief Constable.
"We have been informed that a referral has now been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct for a full investigation."
https://twitter.com/MayorofGM/status/1816217363215159542
"The Deputy Mayor and I have now had the opportunity to meet with both the Home Secretary and the regional director of the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
"It was agreed that the IOPC investigation now under wav will be carried out as swiftly as possible, will involve community stakeholders, and will be truly independent.
"The precise arrangements will be set out by the OPC.
"I hope this provides further reassurance to people that all the right steps are being taken, that all relevant issues will be fully considered, and gives people confidence in the process as it moves forward."
https://twitter.com/MayorofGM/status/1816487493262315977
