MANCHESTER, Jamaica – A taxi operator is alleging physical abuse at the hands of police in Manchester.

Jermaine Cunningham, who was captured in a viral video engaged in a tussle with police officers after resisting arrest over an alleged traffic breach, told journalists Thursday that he was beaten by cops while in their custody at the Christiana police station on Wednesday.

“The police dem beat me yesterday… and dem handcuff me and carry mi guh uppa station and handcuff me pon the bench. The police box me inna me face,” a tearful Cunningham said.

Scores of taxi operators Thursday morning blocked a section of the Succeed main road in north east Manchester in support of Cunningham and over what they claim is continued harassment by the police in Christiana over a longstanding parking issue.

The taxi operators say, because of the absence of a proper transportation centre in Christiana, they are being found in breach by the police for parking violations.

READ: Christiana taxi operators threaten to protest over alleged police harassment

The taxis previously used a private property as a parking area, but it is now under construction for a commercial building.

The taxi operators say the parking arrangement on Wildman Street, commonly referred to as Market Street, is dangerous.