Police watchdog 'aware' of violent airport footage showing officer kicking and stamping on man's head during arrest

The police watchdog is 'aware' of the violent airport footage showing an armed officer kicking and stamping on a man's head, the Manchester Evening News understands.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has contacted Greater Manchester Police regarding the incident, but no referral to them has been made.

The clip, which was posted on social media on Wednesday afternoon (July 24), showed an armed officer kicking a man's head as he lay on the ground in Terminal Two before going on to kick another man who was kneeling on the floor with his arms above his head.

READ MORE Brutal footage of officer kicking man in head at Manchester Airport surfaces as cops issue statement

Greater Manchester Police said they had been called to an 'altercation' between members of the public in Terminal two, before the officers were then subjected to a 'violent assault' while trying to make an arrest.

Police said a female officer was left with a broken nose and that the other officers were hospitalised. The force also said that there was a risk of the armed officers' 'firearms being taken'.

Four men were arrested at the scene on suspicion of affray and assault of emergency service workers.

GMP's Professional Standards Directorate are 'assessing' the incident. It is understood that the IOPC are 'aware' but that no referral has been made to the watchdog.

The chaotic footage, which quickly circulated online, shows a male officer aiming a taser at one of the suspects as he is lying on the ground. Onlookers can then be heard shouting before the officer then kicks and stamps on the man's head.

Seconds later, an officer is then seen to walk over to another man before pointing his taser at him. As he moves onto the ground on his knees and