In a press conference earlier this week, the family’s lawyer claimed that the men’s mother, Shameem Akhtar, 56, was hit in the face with a Taser by an officer…reports Asian Lite News
A second officer is under criminal investigation for assault after an incident at Manchester airport, the police watchdog has said.
Video footage that showed a police officer kicking and stamping on the head of Muhammed Fahir, 19, as he and his 25-year-old brother were restrained by officers led to protests in Rochdale and Manchester city centre after it emerged last month.
More footage, obtained by the Manchester Evening News, emerged days later that showed the lead-up to the disturbance on 23 July, when two female police officers were knocked to the ground before Fahir was Tasered.
In a press conference earlier this week, the family’s lawyer claimed that the men’s mother, Shameem Akhtar, 56, was hit in the face with a Taser by an officer.
In the days after the incident, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) announced that a Greater Manchester police (GMP) constable was under criminal investigation for assault in connection with the arrests of the brothers.
The watchdog said in an update on Thursday that a second officer had been advised that they were also under criminal investigation for assault, relating to an incident shortly afterwards, when two other men were arrested.
The officer is also being investigated for potential gross misconduct for alleged breaches of police professional standards, including their use of force.
An IOPC spokesperson said it had received a further referral from GMP of a complaint, detailing several allegations, from one of the people involved.
The IOPC regional director, Catherine Bates, said: “It is clear the situation at Manchester airport was complex and escalated rapidly. The incident, which resulted in injuries to police officers and members of the public, has caused understandable concern and we are working hard to piece together all of the relevant events on that day. In parallel, Greater Manchester police is investigating whether any criminal offences were committed by members of the public during the initial altercation and the subsequent arrests. These investigations are separate, and we are liaising with the Crown Prosecution Service to establish how they can progress in parallel.”
The IOPC spokesperson said its investigation would consider whether discriminatory behaviour might have influenced the treatment received. It will look at the force used against six members of the public in two incidents, the first involving the arrests shown in footage and the second, shortly afterwards, when two other men were arrested and one was sprayed with Pava, an incapacitant chemical.
It will also consider allegations about the level of care provided to a woman who reported that she had received an injury during the arrests, and to a young child present at the time; the language and level of force used by police towards two of the men arrested; and the men’s subsequent detention in custody.
Four men were arrested on suspicion of affray and assault after the incident and were later bailed.
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