Breaking News: Two Men Charged in Manchester Airport Police Assault Case

No charges are to be brought against the police officers who were assaulted

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has announced that two men have been charged in connection with the violent assault of police officers at Manchester Airport on 23 July 2024. The charges come nearly six months after the incident, which sparked significant public and media interest.

Charges Announced

Mohammed Amaaz, 20, has been charged with two counts of causing actual bodily harm, one count of assaulting an emergency worker, and one count of common assault. Muhammed Amaad, 25, faces one charge of causing actual bodily harm.

The two men are due to appear at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 16 January 2025.

In a statement, Frank Ferguson, Head of the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, confirmed the decision:

“This was a high-profile incident that attracted significant public interest and media coverage at the time, and we have worked closely from the outset with investigators from the Independent Office for Police Conduct and Greater Manchester Police.

“We have reviewed all the available evidence, including witness statements, video footage, expert reports, and other material related to police use of force, to make an independent and objective assessment about whether it is appropriate to present charges for the court to consider.”

---

---

No Charges Against Police Officers

The CPS also announced that no charges would be brought against any police officers involved in the incident. Ferguson explained that the decision was based on a thorough review of the evidence, including an independent report from an expert on police use of force.

“We examined potential offences of actual bodily harm and common assault and reviewed expert evidence to inform this decision. Based on the evidence and expert opinion, there was no realistic prospect of conviction,” Ferguson stated.

The CPS highlighted that their decision-making process took into account police training and the context of the officers’ actions during the incident.

Background: The Airport Assault Case

The incident at Manchester Airport on 23 July involved a violent altercation during which three police officers were injured. One officer sustained a broken nose, while others suffered head injuries. The confrontation unfolded as officers attempted to detain two males suspected of earlier altercations in the airport’s Terminal 2.

Initially, a partial video clip of the incident, showing only the officers’ use of force during the arrests, was shared online and quickly went viral. The footage, which lacked context, led to public outcry and protests outside Manchester police stations, with calls for the officers involved to face charges.

---

Have a story or video you’d like us to cover? Share it with our team of experienced former emergency services and armed forces personnel at contact@emergency-services.news – we’d love to hear from you!

---

Weeks later, the Manchester Evening News obtained and released full CCTV footage that provided a clearer picture of the events. The extended video showed the officers being attacked before they used force to restrain the suspects. Following the release of the full footage, public sentiment shifted, and the protests subsided.

In August, Greater Manchester Police confirmed they had submitted a comprehensive file of evidence to the CPS for review. The delay in charges led to mounting frustration within the emergency services community, with Reform UK announcing plans for a private prosecution earlier this month. Today’s announcement renders that effort unnecessary.

CPS Statement on Public Interest

Acknowledging the intense public interest in the case, Ferguson added:

“We acknowledge that in this case, as in any other, the strength of feeling has been high. Our specially trained prosecutors are often at the forefront of dealing with high-profile cases subject to intense public and media scrutiny and will always make independent and objective decisions based on all available evidence.”

The CPS also reminded the public to refrain from reporting, commenting, or sharing information online that could prejudice the upcoming legal proceedings.

What Happens Next?

The two defendants will face court in January. The outcome of this case will be closely watched, particularly by members of the emergency services community, who have been vocal in their calls for justice.

This announcement marks a significant step forward in resolving one of the most high profile incidents of 2024, but it also serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by police officers in maintaining public order under difficult circumstances.

If you would like to stay updated on this story, then please make sure that you subscribe to this newsletter