Greater Manchester Police Suspend Eight Officers Amid Racial Discrimination Allegations

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has suspended eight officers following allegations of racial discrimination. The police force has also restricted another officer and has made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) regarding the incidents. These suspensions are separate from a recent incident at Manchester Airport, where an officer was suspended after a video surfaced showing a man being kicked and stamped on the head. Of the eight suspended officers, seven are from the Bury district, while one officer from Rochdale was working in Bury at the time of the allegations. To ensure operational continuity and minimize disruption in the Bury area, GMP has temporarily relocated other officers to cover duties in the district. The IOPC is currently investigating the initial report of racial discrimination and has referred the second incident back to GMP for their investigation. DCS Mike Allen, head of GMP’s professional standards branch, expressed concern over the reports and emphasized the importance of a thorough investigation to reassure the community of Bury, the public, and the GMP workforce. The ongoing investigations highlight the police force's commitment to addressing serious allegations and maintaining public trust, as they navigate these sensitive issues within their ranks.