CPS issue update on shocking violence caught on CCTV at Manchester Airport after threats

Violent scenes erupted at Manchester Airport
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Crown lawyers have still not decided whether to bring criminal charges three months after footage captured shocking violence at Manchester Airport, when armed police were involved in a confrontation with two men.

Footage of a fracas at the airport went viral and appeared to show an officer kicking and stamping on the head of Fahir Amaaz, 19, as he and his brother Muhammed Amaad, 25, both from Rochdale, were restrained by officers.

Further footage, obtained by the Manchester Evening News, emerged days later which showed the immediate lead-up to the incident on July 23, including when two female police officers were hit to the ground before Mr Amaaz was incapacitated with a Taser stun gun.

Four people were arrested and remain on police bail. GMP have been investigating the actions of the individuals whilst the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) are probing the actions of the officers.

You can watch the video obtained by the M.E.N below or by clicking here.

The M.E.N. has previously reported that armed officers were scrambled to Terminal 2 because of reports of a violent bust-up between two groups including one man headbutting another following a flight from Doha.

Today, a week after Nigel Farage's Reform UK party threatened to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) it would mount a private prosecution if criminal charges were not brought, a spokeswoman for the CPS has today (Tuesday) confirmed that no decision on charges has yet been made.

GMP handed the CPS a 'comprehensive file of evidence' in mid-August but the CPS says its lawyers are still weighing up the evidence 'carefully and thoroughly' and must make a final decision in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors, which sets out the principles that must be followed in all prosecutions.

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A CPS spokesperson said: "We are considering material and are providing advice in relation to a series of alleged criminal offences at Manchester Airport in July this year.

"We are working with Greater Manchester Police and the Independent Office for Police Conduct while their enquiries continue.”

Last week, Reform UK published a letter to the Home Secretary Yvette Cooper signed by their leader Nigel Farage, their Deputy Leader Richard Tice, and their three fellow MPs Lee Anderson, Rupert Lowe and James McMurdock.

In it, they say the public have "very real concerns" about "two tier policing and two tier justice" as they questioned why the suspects have not yet been charged.

Footage showed an armed officer kicking and stamping on a man's head during an arrest at Manchester Airport. -Credit:@4m4r_k/X
Footage showed an armed officer kicking and stamping on a man's head during an arrest at Manchester Airport. -Credit:@4m4r_k/X

“We have genuine reason to be concerned that in fact the CPS is awaiting for the IOPC to find some fault with the police officers, which will then give them a reason not to progress charges against the assailants. This is totally unacceptable," they say.

“We are therefore serving notice that if the CPS is not going to charge the assailants, then we will organise a private criminal prosecution against them. We have taken initial advice and have a legal team on standby to progress when required.” The letter adds that the prosecution would be crowdfunded if necessary.

In response, a GMP spokesperson said: "“Following an investigation led by the GMP Major Incident Team, a comprehensive file of evidence was sent to the CPS in Mid-August, and we await a charging decision.

Solicitor Aamer Anwar (second from the right) accompanies brothers Muhammad Amaad (left), Fahir Amaaz (right) and their mother, Shameem Akhtar -Credit:Getty Images
Solicitor Aamer Anwar (second from the right) accompanies brothers Muhammad Amaad (left), Fahir Amaaz (right) and their mother, Shameem Akhtar -Credit:Getty Images

“We have avoided providing ongoing commentary on the case, including releasing footage, to ensure that justice can be served without the risk of prejudicing proceedings. We continue to support the officers involved and are committed to getting them justice.”

A lawyer representing the men captured in the footage has accused Reform UK of 'pathetic grandstanding'.

The IOPC have previously said two officers are under criminal investigation for assault following the events. "The serving of notices does not necessarily mean criminal charges or misconduct proceedings will follow," they said.

"At the end of our investigation we will decide whether to refer the matter to the Crown Prosecution Service for a charging decision and decide whether the officer should face disciplinary proceedings."