An incident at Manchester Airport has shone the spotlight on the use of force by the police.
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An armed police officer was filmed brutally assaulting two members of the public at Manchester Airport in July 2024. Video footage circulated online shows officers pointing tasers at a member of the public who is lying face down on the floor with his arms by his side. The officer in question then proceeds to kick the male in the head and stamp on his head. The same officer then approaches another member of the public, kicks him and hits the male with his taser in his hand.
It is reported that officers attended Manchester Airport after reports of an assault. On arriving there three police officers were assaulted, with one officer sustaining a broken nose. When the armed officer assaulted the two males, both appeared from the video footage to be compliant. It has since been announced that the police officer has been suspended and Greater Manchester Police have referred themselves to the IOPC.
Approximately 200 protestors later gathered outside a Rochdale Police Station, chanting “GMP shame on you”. It is believed that this is in response to the incident itself and GMP’s failure to immediately suspend the officer.
The law allows police officers to use ‘reasonable force’ in order to exercise their powers, including to effect or assist in the lawful arrest of offenders, or suspected offenders. However, all use of force by the police must be justifiable, reasonable, and proportionate. Force which goes beyond what is necessary may be considered to be excessive force, and officers found guilty of using excessive force can be subject to gross misconduct proceedings and consequently dismissed from the police.
Individuals who have been a victim of officers using excessive force against them may be entitled to make a compensation claim against the police. If you would like to discuss claiming compensation from the police on a No Win – No Fee basis, then call our team of specialist lawyers. We will assess your case completely free of charge, and if we feel we can assist then we will provide you with full details of our popular No Win – No Fee service.