Former police sergeant Harry Tangye has told the police to "grow a backbone" and make it clear that they "don't expect to be abused" after footage of a shocking incident at Manchester Airport went viral on social media.
After a clip circulated online showing a police officer kicking and stamping on a man's head protests have taken place in Rochdale.
According to Greater Manchester Police, before the incident occurred while trying to arrest a suspect three of its officers were violently attacked and punched to the ground. One officer suffered a broken nose and all three needed hospital treatment.
A spokesperson from Greater Manchester Police has confirmed a police officer has been "suspended from all duties" and a referral has now been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct for a "full independent investigation".
Greater Manchester Police have faced a backlash
PADemonstrators have since been spotted protesting with some wearing face coverings and chanting "GMP shame on you'." They were pictured outside Rochdale Police Station, while others present let off fireworks.
Speaking to GB News, Former Police Sergeant Harry Tangye said: "We've got very comfortable with our officers being so restrained and being so measured, but they need to show dominance and aggression.
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"Somebody said that's not necessary. But the next step is firearms being taken over and your family being obliterated in a departures lounge.
"Those police officers are in charge. That is not the time for a discussion. You do not resist arrest. You do as you're bloomin' well told."
He added: "Some bosses should grow a bit of backbone and come out and say, 'this is what we expect, We do not expect our officers to be abused because the next time it's the public being abused'."
Assistant Chief Constable Wasim Chaudhry from GMP said: "A protest held last night outside Rochdale Police Station about our response at Manchester Airport has concluded safely, without incident.
Harry Tangye urged the bosses to "grow a backbone" GB News "We understand the immense feeling of concern and worry that people feel about our response and fully respect their right to demonstrate their views peacefully. We have already referred our actions to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and will be in further discussions with them today.
"We have spent the evening listening to community feedback and will continue to engage with communities and elected members to maintain strong partnership links and understand local views."
Paul Waugh, the town's recently elected Labour MP, wrote on social media: "The video footage of a Greater Manchester police officer kicking and stamping on a man in Manchester Airport is truly shocking and disturbing.
"Like many who have seen this clip, I am extremely concerned. I have had it confirmed that the man arrested is a Rochdale resident and I hope to meet the family as soon as possible."
The footage circulated on social media
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A spokesperson from GMP said: "Following a thorough review of further information that has become available in relation to an incident at Manchester Airport on Tuesday evening, Greater Manchester Police has suspended a police officer from all duties.
"We understand the deep concerns that have been widely raised with us, and will continue to meet and discuss these feelings with Greater Manchester residents and elected representatives, whilst this independent investigation takes place."
George Galloway, the former MP for Rochdale, claimed on social media that one of the men who was arrested had family members in the police.
The Worker's Party of Britain leader said: "I spoke at some length to both the uncle and the brother of those who were savagely assaulted on the videos that you've seen. Both the uncle and the brother are serving police officers.
"This is important. This is a police family that was severely beaten by the police, stamping on their faces while they lay helpless and unresisting on the floor, kicking them in the head with police boots while they lay unresistant, helpless on the floor."