Manchester Police Officer Caught on Video Punching Man During Arrest in City Center

Greater Manchester Police are under renewed scrutiny following the emergence of a video showing an officer punching a man during an arrest in Piccadilly Garden.

The incident, which occurred yesterday, has sparked public outcry just weeks after the same police force was criticised for a violent arrest at Manchester Airport.

The footage, captured by a bystander, shows a group of uniformed officers restraining a man on the ground.

During the arrest, one officer is seen delivering three punches to the man’s head as the man yells in pain. The incident attracted a crowd of onlookers, with some questioning the officers’ actions. “What are you getting nasty for?” one witness is heard shouting, while another asked why the officer was punching the man.

A witness at the scene described the situation, saying, “I heard a lot of commotion and saw police running over to this guy.

Witnesses were heard asking why the police were being so ‘nasty’ (Picture: SWNS)

He was already pinned down, and they put three punches to his head. I think they bust his eye open. It was way more than what was necessary. He was only a skinny guy, and these were all prominent officers. He was already on the floor.”

In response to the incident, Greater Manchester Police released a statement: “Officers in the city centre were called to reports of a fight between two men in Piccadilly Gardens just before 10:30 p.m. on Monday, September 2, 2024.

Multiple officers assisted in pinning the man down (Picture: SWNS)

Officers attended, stopped the fight, and detained several people. One of the suspects resisted being detained by officers.

Following comments made by witnesses at the scene, it was established that one of the men had suffered injuries consistent with being hit in the face with an object before police attended. The man received treatment at the scene.

Those detained were released while further investigations continue. The Professional Standards Directorate is currently reviewing all available footage, including recordings from witnesses and officer body-worn cameras.

The man had blood on his face, apparently from a previous injury (Picture: SWNS)

This incident comes just weeks after another controversial arrest involving Greater Manchester Police at Manchester Airport.

In that case, 19-year-old Muhammad Amaaz was tasered and lying face down when an officer appeared to stamp on his head.

The officer involved in the airport incident was suspended, and the force referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

The Manchester Police force is now facing increased scrutiny as these incidents continue to raise concerns about its officers’ conduct and use of force.

Sola Adeniji

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