A criminal investigation is now underway after a video emerged appearing to show a police officer kick and stamp on the head of a man who was lying face down on the floor, with a woman kneeling beside him at Manchester Airport.

Just minutes ago the The Independent Office for Police Conduct announced a criminal investigation over the use of force during an incident at the airport in which a number of men were arrested at the airport on Tuesday is underway.

The body notified the Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officer today (Friday) that he is under criminal investigation for assault.

READ MORE: Manchester Airport: Police officer suspended after video emerges

Bolton leaders pledge action on GMP Manchester Airport video

Burnham calls for calm as police officer is suspended following airport video

The police constable has been served with a disciplinary notice to inform him he is being investigated for potential gross misconduct for a number of alleged breaches of police professional standards including his use of force.

The serving of notices does not necessarily mean criminal charges will follow. At the end of the investigation it will be decided whether to refer the matter to the Crown Prosecution Service for a charging decision and decide whether the officer should face disciplinary proceedings.

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 23 July 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.”

The independent investigation began following a referral from the force on Wednesday.

IOPC investigators have  secured a significant amount of body worn video and CCTV footage which will be subject to detailed analysis.

Anyone with information about this incident can contact us by emailing Manchesterairport@policeconduct.gov.uk