A Greater Manchester Police constable is set to face a criminal investigation following an alleged assault at Manchester Airport. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has announced plans to interview the officer under criminal caution regarding the incident, which took place on Tuesday.
The officer, who was suspended on Thursday, was involved in a confrontation captured on widely circulated social media footage. The video shows the officer kicking and stamping on a man lying on the floor inside Terminal 2. The IOPC’s Catherine Bates reported that investigators are gathering evidence, including significant amounts of body-worn video and CCTV footage. The officer’s use of an incapacitant spray during the altercation will also be examined.
Bates has already met with one of the men involved and his family and plans to speak with the other man shortly. The officer has been served with a disciplinary notice for potential gross misconduct related to breaches of police professional standards, including the use of force. However, the serving of the notice does not automatically imply criminal charges. The IOPC will determine whether to refer the case to the Crown Prosecution Service for a charging decision and whether the officer should face further disciplinary action.
Following the incident, which saw firearms officers reportedly attacked while attempting an arrest, Greater Manchester Police confirmed that three officers were hospitalized, with one suffering a broken nose. Four men, aged 19, 25, 28, and 31, were arrested on suspicion of assault and affray and have been released on bail.
Solicitor Akhmed Yakoob, representing the injured man Muhammad Fahir Amaaz, revealed that Mr. Amaaz’s condition had worsened, with a CT scan showing a cyst on his brain. Yakoob noted that both Mr. Amaaz and his brother Amaad, who were involved in the incident, along with their family, had been deeply traumatized.
Rochdale MP Paul Waugh has urged for calm in the communities affected, following peaceful protests in Manchester and Rochdale. Demonstrators have blocked roads and tram lines, expressing their dissatisfaction with the incident. The family has called for peace and does not support any violence resulting from the situation.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has emphasized the need for a fair, rigorous, and swift investigation, with community input to address the concerns raised during this challenging period.