A second police officer is now under criminal investigation for assault following an incident at Manchester airport, according to the police watchdog. The investigation stems from video footage that captured a police officer assaulting Muhammed Fahir, 19, and his brother. The video led to protests in Rochdale and Manchester city center. Additional footage showed the lead-up to the disturbance, including the Taser use on Fahir. The family’s lawyer alleged that the men’s mother was also hit in the face with a Taser during the incident.
Following the initial investigation, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) announced that a GMP constable was under investigation for assault. Now, a second officer is also being investigated for assault and potential gross misconduct for alleged breaches of police professional standards. The IOPC has received a complaint detailing several allegations from one of the people involved in the incident.
The IOPC is investigating whether discriminatory behavior influenced the treatment of the individuals involved. It will also look into the force used against six members of the public in two incidents. This includes the arrests shown in the footage and a separate incident soon after, where two other men were arrested and one was sprayed with an incapacitant chemical. The investigation will also assess the care provided to a woman and a young child present during the arrests, as well as the language and level of force used by the police towards the men arrested.
Four men were arrested on suspicion of affray and assault after the incident and have been released on bail. The IOPC is working with Greater Manchester police to ensure that all investigations are conducted thoroughly and fairly.
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