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A video capturing a shocking altercation and incident of police brutality at the Manchester Airport has gone viral, evoking widespread outrage on social media.

Recorded on Wednesday afternoon, the video shows an armed officer aiming a taser at a Muslim man on the ground. What follows is a chaotic scene where the officer proceeds to kick and stamp on the man’s head, amidst shouts and pleas from onlookers and the man’s family to stop the violence.

The incident, initially sparked by an “altercation among the public,” quickly escalated into a violent confrontation with the police. Reports suggest that the individuals targeted by the officers are British Pakistanis.

The clip, viewed thousands of times online, prompted the Greater Manchester Police to refer the matter to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC). One officer has been relieved of duty pending investigation.

Social media users have been swift to react, condemning the use of excessive force by the police in the video. The footage sparked a wave of criticism and calls for accountability across X and Instagram, with users expressing shock and dismay over the violent tactics employed by the officers.

British politician and broadcaster George Galloway called for the suspension of the officer “kicking and stamping upon the head of the helpless prone.”

Boxer Amir Khan released a video condemning the brute force applied by the policemen. Calling their behaviour “disgusting”, he said, “This is the first time I’ve seen policemen, without even asking questions, beating and stomping on the heads of these young Asian boys. It is disgusting to see a video like that, it scares you from coming to the UK. Imagine what the mother was going through. They need to be sacked.”

Actor Armeena Khan shared the video saying, “Should check if any one of them work in the Israel Offensive Forces (IOF)”

Actor Khaled Anam also shared the video on his Instagram, writing, “This brutal behaviour cannot go unchallenged, and the authorities need to take notice and investigate. So much for the civilized lot…”

Many commented on X in a similar vein, calling for disciplinary action against the officers while labelling the incident “disgusting”.

Many were appalled at the level of violence displayed in the video.

In response to public outcry, authorities said that four men were arrested on suspicion of affray and assaulting emergency service workers. Amidst the chaos, a female officer suffered a broken nose, and several other officers required hospital treatment.

As always, there were those online who claimed what happened was okay.

But several others pointed out that two wrongs didn’t make a right.

Since the context was missing, some called on the police to release bodycam footage while others demanded the officer be charged with attempted murder.

The IOPC has assured that a thorough assessment of the incident will be carried out, emphasising the need for accountability and further action as deemed necessary.

Regardless of what the investigation reveals, the response to this incident underscores broader concerns about police practices and the treatment of minority communities in the UK.