Keir Starmer has said he understands public concern after a police officer was filmed appearing to kick and stamp on the head of a man lying on the floor.

A Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officer has been suspended after the footage emerged appearing to show a cop kicking and stamping on the head of a man on the floor at Manchester Airport, while a distressed woman tried to help him. The clip, taken inside Terminal 2, went viral last night, sparking a protest outside Rochdale Police Station late on Wednesday night.

At a speech in Runcorn, Cheshire, The Prime Minister said: "I understand the public's concern, I've seen it myself, I understand that concern. There has now been the suspension of one police officer this morning and the Home Secretary is meeting the Mayor of (Greater Manchester) to discuss this as we speak now."

In a statement this morning, a Greater Manchester Police (GMP) spokesman said: "Following a thorough review of further information that has become available in relation to an incident at Manchester Airport on Tuesday evening, Greater Manchester Police has suspended a police officer from all duties. A referral has now been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct for a full independent investigation.

"We understand the deep concerns that have been widely raised with us, and will continue to meet and discuss these feelings with Greater Manchester residents and elected representatives, whilst this independent investigation takes place."

Around 200 people gathered outside Rochdale police station last night, chanting "GMP shame on you", with some seen letting off fireworks. One of the demonstrators told the crowd: “We’re no longer going to settle for this police brutality. We put our trust in the police and what do they do instead they inflict violence upon us when we surrender to them. This is supposed to be the police, instead they are gangsters in uniforms. We’re not going to put up with this anymore.”

Assistant Chief Constable Wasim Chaudhry said: "A protest held last night outside Rochdale Police Station about our response at Manchester Airport has concluded safely, without incident. We understand the immense feeling of concern and worry that people feel about our response and fully respect their right to demonstrate their views peacefully."

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has appealed for calm following the incident. Speaking on BBC Radio Manchester, he said full footage showed a "fast-moving and complicated" situation with "issues for both sides", but it was "right" that the officer had been suspended. He added: "I would ask for calm because what I can assure people is that the right and proper steps have been taken in the right way."

Mr Burnham urged people not to use the situation for "political purposes". He added: "There is understandable feeling and anger in the communities when people see the incident, of course, I guess everyone understands that and there's a reaction but when people seek to exploit that then I don't think that is at all in the public interest, it's not right."

Rochdale MP Paul Waugh said he is meeting with the family involved and described the footage as "truly shocking and disturbing". He said: "Like many who have seen this clip, I am extremely concerned. I have had it confirmed that the man arrested is a Rochdale resident and I hope to meet the family as soon as possible.

"I have expressed my concerns directly to the assistant chief constable and have been in touch with Kate Green, deputy mayor for policing of Greater Manchester."

Downing Street said the PM understood the concern from the public and it was right for the police to refer themselves to the IOPC. The PM's spokesman: "Clearly, we understand the level of concern members of the public have in relation to this incident. The public rightly expect a high standard of conduct from police officers. It is right that the police have referred themselves to the IOPC and the officer has been suspended."