Police trio charged with assault

Three officers from Greater Manchester Police have been charged after a police watchdog investigated an alleged attack on a soldier in Wigan.

Footage showed L/Cpl Mark Aspinall, 34, appearing to be punched and kicked in an incident on 27 July 2008.

Sgt Stephen Russell, Pc Richard Kelsall and Special Constable Peter Lightfoot, are charged with assault and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) led the probe.

Officers suspended

Mr Lightfoot has also been charged with perjury.

The charges relate to an allegation that excessive force was used during the arrest of Mr Aspinall in Wigan town centre.

The three officers will appear before Oldham Magistrates' Court on 15 July.

Insp Deborah Barlow, from Greater Manchester Police's professional standards branch said: "Three police officers have been summonsed to appear at court to face charges following an incident with a 34-year-old man.

"They have been suspended from their duties."