Yesterday, an armed police officer at Manchester Airport is seen on video to have kicked and stamped on a man’s head as he lay face down on the ground.

A second man was also struck by the same officer.

The incident was filmed and has been widely circulated on social media.

Following the incident Assistant Chief Constable Chaudhry of Greater Manchester Police (‘GMP’) stated “that is truly shocking, and that people are rightly extremely concerned about”.

He added: “One male officer has been removed from operational duties and we are making a voluntary referral of our policing response to the Independent Office of Police Conduct.”

GMP have confirmed that their Professional Standards Department is assessing the video footage, and that a referral has also been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

This incident is not isolated, and at Farleys we have represented many individuals where excessive force has been used by officers when making an arrest or when in detention. This can continue after the arrestee has become compliant.

You may be eligible to claim for compensation following the use of excessive force or assault, if you have been struck by an officer’s hands or baton, tasered, sprayed with CS gas, or where unlawful methods of restraint have been used.

The claimant need not have suffered physical injury; damages for psychiatric and psychological injury can also form part of a claim.

Can I Make a Claim Against the Police?

One of the key elements to a successful claim is evidence. If you have video footage or eyewitness accounts of the events this will serve as vital evidence in bringing a claim.

At Farleys, we have a department which specialises in this type of claim and have various ongoing claims at present, against both GMP and other police forces.

If you have been unlawfully detained, assaulted, or feel that your human rights have been breached, you should seek legal advice. There are various dates by which you may need to bring a claim. You can also file an official complaint against the officer and relevant police force in question.

For advice or representation in relation to a claim against the police, please contact us by calling 0845 287 0939, by email, or use the online chat below.