Manchester Airport: Family of man kicked by police left ‘traumatised’

Speaking outside Rochdale police station, where protests broke out last night in reaction to the incident, Mr Yakoob said the incident was an example of “brutality”.

He continued: “The people who were assaulted by the police are members of a police officer’s family.

“This man is now afraid to go to work. He went in today and spoke to his supervisor, and the only reason he is not going to work is because he is fearing for his own safety and he thinks, like his family members were the victims, he could be a victim.

“The family are OK but they are traumatised.”

Mr Yakoob said he had met with the IOPC but could not go into detail as it was in the “early stages” of its investigation.

“For me the main concern is the family receive justice, and this no longer happens again,” he said.

Earlier Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he understood the public’s concern over the footage and there was now “a process” following the suspension of the officer.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said she shared “the deep concern surrounding the video”.

In a statement, she said it was “extremely important” the police watchdog was able to begin its investigation “swiftly and conduct it thoroughly”.

Mr Burnham told BBC Radio Manchester he had seen “the full footage” that showed a “fast-moving and complicated situation in a challenging location – it’s not clear cut”.

“Time has been taken to get a clearer picture of what has happened,” he said, adding that an investigation needed to proceed now “in a thorough and measured way”.

The Greater Manchester Police Federation said it “noted” the decision of the force to suspend the officer.

A spokesman added: “The matter is now under investigation – everyone has the right to a fair hearing where all sides of the story are told and context is provided.”