Greater Manchester Police say they are investigating a video involving a man who ‘appears to be struck by a police officer’ in Burnage.
Police said the incident occurred as they were arresting a 38-year-old man on suspicion of assault and resisting arrest. 10 Police vehicles had gone to a cafe who they have accused of breaching Coronavirus regulations. 14 fixed penalty notices were also issued on the day to those using the cafe.
Bystanders can be heard to shout ‘get your hands off him,’ whilst another says ‘a police officer has just punched him in the face.’
GMP said they are ‘aware of the footage’ circulating online and are ‘continuing to assess the circumstances of the incident.’
“Police were responding to reports of non-compliance with Covid-19 restrictions by a café on Burnage Lane in Manchester,” a spokesperson said.
“Officers attended and in line with procedure, attempted to engage with individuals and disperse attendees.
“This resulted in an officer being assaulted.
“GMP are aware of the footage circulating online and are continuing to assess all the circumstances of the incident, including this footage as well as other footage obtained, at what remains an early stage in the investigation.”
A small cafe in Manchester, England, reopened on Saturday in deviance against the Coronavirus lockdown measures, police turned up on Sunday and literally punched the owner several times in the face and arrested him, all caught on camera by horrified customers! pic.twitter.com/1tFKuH8s0d
— Sheldon Jackson (@SGJackson) February 8, 2021
The force said one of their officers sustained injuries during the altercation but did not require hospital treatment.
Pictures taken at the scene today also show police officers inside the Kate & Luc Café Restaurant.
Speaking on Sunday afternoon, a witness said: “They’ve been open for takeaways, but recently we’ve seen people sitting inside.
“Today there were about 50 or 60 people inside and outside. No-one was wearing a mask. It was like they were protesting (against the lockdown).
“About 10 police cars turned up.
“I don’t know what’s going through their minds.”
Police also confirmed they were called to a café on Burnage Lane on Saturday.
In an earlier statement, police said: “At 12.20pm today, police were called to a report of a Covid breach at a café on Burnage Lane with approximately 100 people present.
“A number of fixed penalty notices have been issued.
“One male adult has been arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer.”
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