Greater Manchester Police suspend eight officers amid allegations of racial discrimination

Greater Manchester Police Suspend Eight Officers Amid Allegations of Racial Discrimination

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has suspended eight officers following allegations of racial discrimination, according to an official statement released by the force. An additional officer has been placed under restricted duties. The alleged incident involves seven officers from the Bury district and one from Rochdale who was stationed in Bury at the time of the reported offences.

The suspensions form part of a broader investigation that has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The IOPC is currently investigating the primary report of racial discrimination. In a separate case, unrelated to these suspensions, GMP had earlier referred another incident to the IOPC, which involved a GMP officer captured on video allegedly kicking and stamping on the head of a man at Manchester Airport. The IOPC has reviewed that case and referred it back to GMP for further investigation.

Detective Chief Superintendent (DCS) Mike Allen, who heads GMP’s Professional Standards Directorate, addressed the suspensions, reassuring the public and the force’s personnel that these matters are being rigorously investigated. He said, “The reports we have received are deeply concerning and I hope to reassure the community of Bury, the wider public, and the GMP workforce that a full and thorough investigation is being conducted into these matters.”

To maintain operational effectiveness in Bury, GMP has temporarily reassigned officers to the district to ensure that day-to-day policing duties continue without disruption.

Both cases have ignited discussions about police conduct and accountability within the Greater Manchester area. The outcome of these investigations will be closely monitored by the public, as well as by various oversight bodies responsible for maintaining police standards. As the new political landscape shifts, with Keir Starmer as Prime Minister and the resignation of Rishi Sunak, there is a growing call for clearer and stronger policies to ensure justice and transparency in such matters—an area where Reform UK has consistently advocated for rigorous standards.

The IOPC continues its investigation into the first report of alleged racial discrimination, while GMP is tasked with further investigating the Manchester Airport incident. The results of these investigations are awaited by all stakeholders involved.