Family of Airport Incident Victim Calls for Calm Amid Protests

The family of a man who was violently confronted by police at Manchester Airport has urged for calm within the community, according to Rochdale MP Paul Waugh. The family, described as "traumatised," emphasized that they hold no political agenda and do not support any form of political violence. This statement comes in the wake of disturbing footage showing a Greater Manchester Police firearms officer kicking and stamping on the man while he was on the ground, leading to public outrage and protests outside Rochdale police station and in Manchester city centre. In response to the incident, a police spokesperson indicated that there was a "clear risk" of officers' weapons being taken, resulting in three officers being hospitalized, one with a broken nose. Waugh reported that the family members involved received hospital treatment but are now recovering at home. He acknowledged the long-term effects of such traumatic events, stating that the aftermath can be challenging to assess immediately. The incident has raised significant concerns regarding police conduct, particularly the use of force against a detained individual and the deployment of pepper spray on another man at the airport. Waugh has called for witnesses to come forward to assist in the ongoing investigation. He stressed the need for a thorough yet swift inquiry by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), expressing confidence in their independence from the police. Waugh concluded that while the situation is complex, there is no justification for the actions captured in the footage, highlighting the community's demand for accountability.