GMPPolice have released photographs of men they want to speak to in connection with a protest held in Rochdale after a man was kicked in the head by a police officer at Manchester Airport.
A criminal investigation is under way into the conduct of two Greater Manchester Police officers after a video was widely shared online of a man being stamped on as he lay on the floor on 23 July.
Two days later, a protest was held outside Rochdale police station, which the force said at the time had “finished safely and without incident”.
However, detectives have now released images of five men they want to identify as they investigate an “outbreak of disorder” that night.
HandoutCrowds of several hundred people had gathered outside the police station on 25 July, shouting “shame on you”.
The video from Manchester Airport’s Terminal 2 showed a police officer holding a Taser over Muhammad Fahir Amaaz, who was lying face down on the floor, before being struck in the head.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) previously said its officers were subject to a “violent” attack while trying to make an arrest, and there “was a risk their weapons could be taken from them”.
A second video later emerged of the build up to the kicking incident, showing a fight in which officers were punched to the ground.
Mr Amaaz was arrested, along with three others, including his brother, on suspicion of assault and affray and remains on bail.
His lawyer said in a press conference on Monday that police had been called in after the brothers clashed with another man who they allege racially abused their mother.
PA MediaThe Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) announced on 26 July a police constable was under a criminal investigation in relation to the arrest and had been suspended.
A further referral from GMP, received by the IOPC on Monday, included a complaint “detailing several allegations, from one of the people involved”, the IOPC said, which had led to a second officer being investigated.
The IOPC said the second officer was also being investigated for potential gross misconduct for alleged breaches of police professional standards including their use of force.
GMP said it was “fully committed to supporting” the police watchdog’s independent investigation.
