A criminal investigation has been launched following the leak of CCTV footage to the Manchester Evening News (M.E.N.) regarding a controversial incident involving a police officer at Manchester Airport. The footage, which went viral after being shared widely on social media, shows an officer allegedly kicking and stamping on a man during an altercation at Terminal Two on July 23, 2024.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating how the video, which was part of an active police investigation, was provided to the press. The M.E.N. had initially published the footage on July 24, followed by a second video on July 27, capturing the moments leading up to the incident. This sparked widespread public outcry, protests, and criticism of police conduct.
In the footage, a male officer is seen aiming a Taser at a man lying on the ground before allegedly kicking and stamping on his head. A female officer also appears to use a Taser against other individuals at the scene. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) reported that officers were subjected to a violent assault while attempting to make an arrest.
On August 23 and September 3, the IOPC requested access to the CCTV footage from the M.E.N. and asked for details about its source. The M.E.N. refused to comply, citing the protection of journalistic sources as a fundamental principle of free press. Editor Sarah Lester reaffirmed this, stating, “The protection of sources of information is a key journalistic principle.”
In a letter dated September 4, the IOPC confirmed it was conducting a criminal investigation into the provision of the footage to the M.E.N., questioning whether the footage had been shared by someone within GMP without a legitimate policing purpose.
Two police officers involved in the July incident are under criminal investigation by the IOPC, one of whom has been suspended. Four men arrested on suspicion of affray and assault remain on bail.
The IOPC has emphasized that its investigation is still in its early stages, aiming to determine whether any GMP employee improperly shared the footage and, if so, to assess the justification for doing so.
