Trams Unable to Operate During Second Night of Protests Following Controversial Manchester Airport Arrest Video
The family of the man who was kicked in the head by a police officer is calling for calm amid demonstrations that blocked roads and trams in Manchester city centre.
Protests continued into a second night on Thursday following the circulation of a video showing a man allegedly being kicked in the head by a police officer at Manchester Airport.
Roads and tram lines were blocked in Manchester city centre during a protest after an officer was suspended due to the incident that took place at the airport’s terminal 2 on Tuesday.
Videos online depicted protesters, some with covered faces, throwing eggs at Rochdale police station on the same evening.
The family of the man in the video, purportedly being kicked by a Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officer, has urged demonstrators to maintain peace.
Rochdale Labour MP Paul Waugh, who met with the family, conveyed to the PA news agency: “Extremists of all kinds may exploit this and manipulate it for their own agendas, which is the last thing this town needs.
“So, it’s my responsibility to ensure the family, who have responded with dignity to this situation, have their wishes fulfilled, which is to see peace prevail, as well as justice.”
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Mr. Waugh stated his hopes for peaceful protests and emphasized following the family’s wishes.
He said, “People should listen to them. They’re at the core of this and they are the ones saying ‘please let us pursue the independent process now.’
“That’s our goal, along with making sure they receive appropriate medical assistance for their family members.”
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has ensured a “thorough and robust” investigation following the video capturing the officer’s actions.
Mr. Waugh mentioned that those involved, who were relatives of police officers, were receiving medical care and were distressed.
Police reported that three officers were assaulted, including a female constable who suffered a broken nose, and four men were arrested.
On Thursday evening, a few hundred protesters gathered outside the office of Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham for a Stand Up to Racism demonstration, chanting slogans such as “no justice, no peace, no racist police.”
Signs carried messages like “black lives matter,” “serve and protect means GMP will stamp on our heads,” and “GMP is racist.”
They proceeded to march through the city, obstructing roads and tram lines.
Protester Nahella Ashraf, co-chairwoman of Greater Manchester Stand Up to Racism, expressed shock at the police brutality and demanded suspension of all officers involved.
Another protester, Shah Rahman from Oldham, claimed that communities were fearful when the police have no restraints.
A crowd had assembled outside Rochdale police station late on Wednesday, with some chanting “GMP shame on you.”
‘Cyst on His Brain’
Speaking to media outside Rochdale police station on Thursday, the family’s solicitor, former Birmingham mayoral candidate Akhmed Yakoob, revealed that “The family are OK but they are traumatised.”
Mr. Yakoob noted the deteriorating condition of one of the men and a CT scan indicating a “cyst on his brain.”
He also mentioned that one of the men had a relative working for GMP who was now hesitant to go to work.
