GMP issues important update on Manchester Airport incident investigation

Greater Manchester Police have submitted a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service relating to “a number of alleged criminal offences” at Manchester Airport.

Police launched an investigation after video footage of violent scenes at the airport emerged on July 23. The first clip, which went viral on social media, appeared to show a police officer kicking and trampling on the head of 19-year-old Fahir Amaaz while he lay on the ground.

A second video, obtained exclusively by the Manchester Evening News, shows the violent scenes that erupted shortly before the incident – Mr Amaaz and his brother Muhammad Amaad, 25, appear to punch a male police officer. Two female police officers were also knocked to the ground before Mr Amaaz was tasered.

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Two police officers remain under investigation for assault in connection with the incident, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said. In an update released this morning, GMP said police had now submitted a “comprehensive file of evidence” to the CPS for “consultation”.

The evidence is part of an “investigation into a number of alleged criminal offences” in which three police officers were injured, police said. Four men remain on bail in connection with the incident.

GMP's full statement reads: “We have submitted a comprehensive file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service for consultation as part of an investigation into a number of alleged offences which resulted in the injury of three police officers at Manchester Airport in July. GMP's Major Incident Team investigators have thoroughly investigated the incident under the leadership of a highly experienced senior investigating officer.

“Four men remain free on bail. A separate and independent investigation into the actions of our officers by the Independent Office for Police Conduct is ongoing.”

Protests broke out in Manchester and Rochdale after the first video emerged last month. In a press conference earlier this month, the lawyer for the family involved in the incident claimed the men's mother, Shameem Akhtar, 56, was struck in the face with a taser by a police officer.

In the days following the incident, the IOPC said a GMP police officer was under criminal investigation for assault in connection with the brothers' arrest. The regulator then revealed that a second officer had been informed that he was also under criminal investigation for assault. The incident related to an incident shortly afterwards in which two other men were arrested.

The officer is also being investigated for possible gross misconduct for alleged breaches of police professional standards, including the use of force. An IOPC spokesman said it had received a further complaint from GMP with multiple allegations from one of the individuals involved.

Catherine Bates, IOPC Regional Director, said: “It is clear that the situation at Manchester Airport was complex and escalated rapidly. The incident, which left police officers and members of the public injured, has understandably caused concern and we are working hard to piece together all the relevant events of that day.

“In parallel, Greater Manchester Police is investigating whether any crimes were committed by citizens during the initial altercation and subsequent arrests. These investigations are separate and we are liaising with the Crown Prosecution Service to determine how they can continue in parallel.”

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