UK police officer has been suspended following intense public backlash over videos showing police officers violently attacking individuals at Manchester Airport. The footage, which went viral, depicts an officer pointing a Taser at a man on the ground before kicking and stamping on his head. The victim, identified as a Pakistani national, has sparked outrage and calls for accountability.

Additional videos revealed that officers were involved in beating at least three individuals inside the airport. According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), the incident began after three officers were injured during a “violent assault” at Terminal 2, including a female officer who suffered a broken nose. Four men have been arrested on suspicion of assault and affray.

Protests erupted outside GMP’s headquarters in Rochdale, where demonstrators accused the police of institutional racism. The protest ended peacefully, and GMP acknowledged the public’s right to demonstrate. Political figures have reacted strongly: Mayor Andy Burnham and National Black Police Association President Andy George found the footage disturbing, while Home Office Minister Dame Diana Johnson has requested a full update from GMP. Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK, described the police response as “reassuring” given the situation’s severity.

Social media reactions have been overwhelmingly negative. Users have expressed anger and demanded accountability, with comments comparing the violence to Israeli military actions and criticizing the inaction of other officers. British boxer Amir Khan also condemned the behavior as “disgusting.”

Former Metropolitan Police Chief Superintendent Dal Babu stated that racism played a “significant part” in the incident, describing the use of force as “shocking” and “totally appalling.” Speaking on BBC Radio 4, Babu emphasized the impact of such incidents on public trust in the police, noting that while mistrust has traditionally affected minorities and marginalized groups, it is now more widespread.