BREAKING | IOPC Releases Statement Following CPS Decision Not to Charge Police Officers in Manchester Airport Incident

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has issued a statement in response to the Crown Prosecution Service's (CPS) decision not to bring charges against police officers involved in a series of arrests at Manchester Airport on 23 July.

The CPS announced earlier today that no officers would face charges after an investigation into their use of force during the incident, which resulted in the violent assault of three police officers.

IOPC Investigation Nearing Completion

In their statement, the IOPC confirmed that their independent investigation into the use of force by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officers during the incident is "nearing completion." This investigation includes examining allegations of assault made against six police officers and reviewing the use of force on six individuals during the incident.

Two officers were previously interviewed under criminal caution as part of the inquiry, and the IOPC stated that they had shared relevant evidence with the CPS as it became available to ‘assist in their decision-making.’ On 16 December, the IOPC provided the CPS with the final piece of evidence for consideration before the CPS announced its decision not to proceed with charges against the officers.

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Complaints Against Officers

The IOPC is also investigating a series of complaints against the police filed by six individuals regarding the events at Manchester Airport. However, it remains unclear whether these complaints were submitted by impartial members of the public or by family and friends of those accused of assaulting the police officers

The IOPC said:

"At that point, we will decide whether anyone serving with GMP should face disciplinary proceedings, and we will reach a decision on a series of complaints raised by six members of the public in relation to the incident."

This lack of clarity regarding the source of the complaints has raised questions, particularly given the high-profile nature of the case and the strong feelings it has evoked within the emergency services community.

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Calls for Transparency

The IOPC emphasised the importance of their investigation, stating:

"It was important for events at Manchester Airport on 23 July to be carefully investigated. The IOPC and GMP investigations are separate, and with different remits, but between them ensure there is an appropriate level of scrutiny of these matters."

While the IOPC has committed to concluding the remaining lines of inquiry as quickly as possible, the law-abiding public and the emergency services community are eagerly awaiting their final decisions on disciplinary proceedings and the public complaints.

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