25 July 2024

MEDIA STATEMENT

Manchester airport incident – concerns over Police use of excessive force

The Muslim Women’s Network UK (MWNUK) is shocked by the footage circulating on social media. The video shows a police officer at Manchester Airport kicking a Muslim man in the face and then stamping on his head. The footage also captures a distressed woman, possibly his mother or aunt, on the floor next to him, attempting to shield his head. Another video captures a female police officer pushing the same Muslim woman, despite the fact that she posed no threat.

Since the man had already been arrested for an alleged criminal offence, was lying face down on the floor, and posed no threat to the police officers or the public, the additional excessive force used, particularly the methods employed, were not only unjustifiable but also dangerous. The attack could have caused brain damage or even death. Other videos show bystanders who were filming the incident being pepper sprayed and floored. It is crucial that the incident is fully and promptly investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and the findings made public.

Baroness Shaista Gohir, CEO of MWNUK said: “This incident has remnants of the George Floyd murder, and is a stark reminder that minority communities are more likely to face police brutality. What is further concerning is that on social media many have praised the police response, including Richard Tice MP of the Reform Party, who described the police response as 'reassuring.' When police brutality is applauded by influential public figures, it is likely to fuel further racism and Islamophobia."

During moments of heightened community tensions and low trust and confidence in policing, it is vital that the relevant government departments such as the Home Office and the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, respond quickly and provide reassurance and swift justice. We will be directly contacting these departments to share our concerns.

If you have been affected by the incident or want to share any other concerns, please contact the Muslim Women’s Network Helpline on 0800 999 5786 / info@mwnhelpline.co.uk

Additional information

• Media enquiries can be directed to: contact@mwnuk.co.uk or 0121 2369000

• MWNUK is a national charity and more information can be found on the website: www.mwnuk.co.uk

• MWN Helpline can be contacted on: Tel: 0800 999 5786 / E: info@mwnhelpline.co.uk / Text: 07415 206 936 and further information can be found at: www.mwnhelpline.co.uk