Manchester Airport incident - latest: Police officer who kicked man in video faces criminal investigation

The police watchdog has launched a criminal investigation into a police officer after a suspect was kicked in the head while being restrained on the floor of Manchester Airport .

An officer has been suspended from duty after a video emerged appearing to show Mohammed Fahir, 19, being stamped on while lying down.

Watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed an officer is under criminal investigation for assault.

The officer was also served with a disciplinary notice to inform him he was being investigated for potential gross misconduct for a number of alleged breaches of police professional standards, including his use of force, a spokesman said.

Paul Waugh, the Labour MP for Rochdale , who has met the family, said: “It’s clear from talking to them that they are traumatised. Lots of people saw that video clip and they are distressed by it.

The family’s solicitor, Akhmed Yakoob, said a CT scan had revealed Mr Fahir had a cyst on his brain.

The events prompted angry protests on Thursday, with roads and tram lines blocked in Manchester city centre.