A COP is under criminal investigation for assault after a video emerged of a man being kicked and stamped on at Manchester Airport.
The Greater Manchester Police (GMP) Constable appeared to attack 19-year-old Mohammed Fahir, on Tuesday, as he lay on the floor in disturbing footage which has since gone viral.
GMP later referred themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct following the violent events.
The police watchdog received two referrals - one for the use of force and the other regarding the same officer reportedly using his PAVA, which is similar to pepper spray.
The IOPC has now confirmed the cop in question is under criminal investigation.
IOPC Regional Director Catherine Bates said: "We can confirm we are conducting a criminal investigation into the use of force during events which took place on July 23 at Manchester Airport.
"We are arranging to interview a police constable under criminal caution as soon as possible.
"I have today met one of the men who was involved and his family members to outline our investigation and we will continue to update them and Greater Manchester Police as our enquiries progress.
"We will be speaking to the man involved in the second incident as soon as we can.
"The family has asked me to reiterate their call for peace and wish to stress that they do not condone any acts of violence as a result of this incident.
"We are meeting with a number of community leaders in Rochdale this afternoon to listen to their concerns and explain our role.
"Our investigation continues to gather relevant evidence and will be following a number of lines of enquiry.
"We will provide further updates when we are in a position to do so."
Chaos broke out at Manchester Airport on Tuesday after 19-year-old Mohammed Fahir had his head stamped on by cops in shocking footage, sparking "mob rule" protests.
Teen Fahir and brother Amaad were trying to defend their mum after another man rammed a luggage trolley into her, a source close to the family claimed.
The insider alleged the mother was involved in an altercation with a male passenger while flying from Pakistan to Manchester on Tuesday evening.
Once on the ground, the same man pushed the mum with his trolley and made racist remarks as she collected her luggage at Terminal 2, it is claimed.
After meeting up with sons Fahir and Amaad, she pointed out who she had argued with, it is said.
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The pair are then claimed to have confronted the man - which turned into a physical altercation.
Greater Manchester Police were then called to the airport and tracked the family through cameras before stopping them near the ticket machines moments before disturbing scenes unravelled.