**Security Staff Member Suspended Following Shock Incident Outside Manchester Bar**
An incident involving security staff at a popular bar in Manchester’s Gay Village has sparked outrage after footage emerged showing a member of the security team threatening a pinned man with forceful and aggressive language. The episode took place in the early hours of Bank Holiday Monday, outside Bar Pop on the city’s lively Canal Street, a location known to attract revellers from across the region.
According to eye-witness accounts and video evidence supplied to the Manchester Evening News, a group of five security staff restrained the man on the pavement after a confrontation reportedly began inside the premises. The footage, which has since circulated online and prompted strong reactions, captures a female door supervisor issuing a stark threat: “I will put pressure on your f***ing neck,” alongside repeated expletives and threats, while visibly pressing on the man’s neck area.
Witnesses described the man as heavily intoxicated and claimed he had attempted, albeit unsuccessfully, to strike a bouncer prior to being subdued. “He did swing for him, but he was so out of it that he completely missed,” one bystander recounted. “The bouncers threw him to the floor and multiple people jumped on top. At first, it seemed justified, but it went on too long.”
The continuation of the incident raised particular concern. Despite the alleged initial aggression, the bystander stated the man posed little threat once held down, emphasising the excessive nature of the force and language used by the security staff. “For five minutes he was shouting on the floor, surrounded by staff. The door supervisor started screaming at him about putting pressure on his neck, and her behaviour quickly turned aggressive and profane. It was completely unnecessary,” the eye-witness told reporters. “This is a place people should feel protected and safe. Seeing this from those employed for our safety is unacceptable.”
CandD Security Ltd, the company contracted to manage Bar Pop’s security, released a statement following the incident confirming that the staff member involved has been suspended while a full investigation takes place. “We are aware of the incident,” a CandD spokesperson commented. “The individual concerned has been removed from duties pending a detailed internal inquiry. We are cooperating fully with Greater Manchester Police.”
Bar Pop, which forms part of the beating heart of Manchester’s nightlife, also responded by acknowledging the gravity of the allegations. A spokesperson assured the public that the venue was working closely with law enforcement and local authorities, stating: “We take the matter extremely seriously. A staff member has been suspended while we conduct a thorough investigation alongside Greater Manchester Police and licensing officials.”
Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that a report of assault has been made and have launched a formal investigation. They urge anyone with further evidence or relevant information to come forward as their enquiries continue.
The incident has reignited debate regarding the conduct of private security personnel operating in the UK’s nightlife sector, particularly concerning the use of restraint and verbal threats in handling intoxicated individuals. Canal Street, renowned for its inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, has long prided itself on providing a safe space for all patrons. Concerns now linger over whether tightening regulations and improved staff training may be necessary to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In the meantime, both the security company and Bar Pop have reiterated their commitment to upholding high standards in customer and staff conduct, emphasising a zero-tolerance approach to aggression or abuse. As the investigation unfolds, the local community and nightlife-goers alike await the outcome, hopeful that lessons will be learned from this troubling episode.