Prosecutors still 'considering material' over Manchester Airport incident

Prosecutors say they are still “considering material” over an incident at Manchester Airport which sparked protests in the summer.

A video of the incident at a Terminal 2 car park which was circulated widely on social media in July appeared to show an armed officer kicking and stamping on a man's head as he lay on the ground. However, footage exclusively obtained by the Manchester Evening News appeared to capture the chaotic and violent scenes in the moments before the incident in which three officers were injured.

Nigel Farage's Reform UK has confirmed that it is pressing ahead with plans to bring a private prosecution against two men accused of attacking police officers. Mr Farage, its leader, said on Monday (November 18) that the party, which threatened to take action in October, would make the legal application after hearing “nothing” back from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) about the case.

READ MORE: The Manchester Airport footage: Why we decided to publish the crucial new video

The CPS said it is working with Greater Manchester Police and watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), but could not provide a timeframe for when decisions might be made.

Any adult in the UK can apply to bring a private prosecution but they must be able to pay for legal representation, and in some rare cases may end up having to cover the defendant’s legal costs too. 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 inquiries continue.”

Footage of a fracas at the airport, which went viral on social media, sparking controversy and protests, appeared to show an officer kicking and stamping on the head of Fahir Amaaz, 19, as he and his brother Muhammed Amaad, 25, were restrained by officers. Days later further footage, which was exclusively obtained by the M.E.N., showed the immediate lead-up to the incident on July 23, including when two female police officers were knocked to the ground before Mr Amaaz was incapacitated with a Taser.

A spokesman for the IOPC, a watchdog that is investigating how police officers dealt with the incident, said: “Our investigation linked to an incident in which a number of men were arrested at Manchester Airport on Tuesday July 23 is in the final stages. Two Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officers remain under criminal investigation for assault as part of this investigation and interviews under criminal caution have now taken place.

“They are also being investigated for potential gross misconduct for alleged breaches of police professional standards including their use of force. We expect to conclude our investigation into the use of force by two officers during the arrests in the next month and any decision on a referral to the CPS will be made at that point.

“The serving of notices does not necessarily mean criminal charges or misconduct proceedings will follow.”