The Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police said he has 'profound regret' over the events that unfolded at Manchester Airport this week.

Earlier this week, video footage emerged of a GMP officer 'kicking' a restrained man in the head as he lay on the floor at Manchester Airport.

A number of men were arrested at the scene on Tuesday (July 23).

The footage sent shockwaves across the region, prompting a peaceful protest outside Rochdale police station where crowds of up to 200 people demanded justice.

Some could be heard chanting: "GMP shame on you."

The force said the protest "concluded safely" and "without incident".

The Mayor of Manchester, Andy Burnham, also called for calm to allow for the "right and proper steps" for an investigation.

Outside Rochdale police station on Thursday (July 25), solicitor Akhmed Yakoob said two of the men involved were members of a serving GMP officer’s family and echoed calls for "peace".

He said: “The family are okay but they are traumatised.”

The solicitor also said the condition of one of the men had worsened and that a CT scan revealed he has a "cyst on his brain".

He added: “The main concern for us, for me, is that the family receive justice and this no longer happens again.”

While the officer has been suspended from his duties, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) also announced yesterday (Friday) that a criminal investigation is underway.

The body notified the officer that he is under investigation for assault and has been served with a disciplinary notice.

The notice informs the officer he is being investigated for potential gross misconduct for a number of alleged breaches of police professional standards, including his use of force.

The notice does not necessarily mean criminal charges will follow.

After the investigation, it will be decided if the matter will be referred to the Crown Prosecution Service.

GMP Chief Constable Stephen Watson has also issued a statement and reiterated the calls for calm.

He said: “It is a source of profound regret that this week’s incident at Manchester Airport has caused shock and upset in some of our communities.

"Throughout this week, senior officers have been meeting with community representatives to ensure their voices are heard and this will continue – we are at one with the best instincts of those engaged in appealing for calm.

“Whilst we are constrained in publicly releasing further information or footage about the incident due to the conduct and criminal investigations, we are committed to providing the fullest practical assistance to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.”