PC Under Criminal Investigation Following Airport Assault Incident

A police constable from Greater Manchester is set to face a criminal investigation for assault after a disturbing incident at Manchester Airport, where a man was reportedly kicked and stamped on. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) announced that they are arranging to interview the officer under criminal caution in connection with the alleged assault that occurred on Tuesday. The officer was suspended from duty on Thursday following the widespread circulation of video footage depicting the confrontation in Terminal 2. Catherine Bates, a representative from the IOPC, confirmed that she has met with one of the victims and his family, and plans to speak with the other individual involved shortly. The IOPC is actively gathering evidence, having already obtained a significant amount of body-worn camera and CCTV footage related to the incident. Additionally, the officer has received a disciplinary notice for potential gross misconduct, which includes allegations of excessive use of force. While the serving of disciplinary notices does not guarantee criminal charges, the IOPC will determine whether to refer the case to the Crown Prosecution Service for a charging decision once their investigation concludes. Greater Manchester Police reported that firearms officers were attacked while attempting to make an arrest, resulting in three officers being hospitalized, one with a broken nose. Four men, aged between 19 and 31, have been arrested on suspicion of assault and affray, and they have since been released on bail.