No police charged after controversial Manchester Airport incident

In July 2023, an incident at Manchester Airport escalated into a violent confrontation between police officers and two brothers, Mohammed Amaaz and Muhammed Amaad. The altercation occurred on July 23, during which officers were dispatched to break up a fight at Terminal Two. Social media footage later prompted outrage as it showed an officer stomping on Amaaz's head while he was restrained on the ground. Three officers were reported injured, with one suffering a broken nose and requiring hospital treatment. Initially, four people were arrested at the site of the altercation. Following the incident, the Crown Prosecution Service evaluated the evidence collected, including video footage, witness statements, and expert reports on police use of force. Ultimately, they concluded that there was insufficient evidence to charge any police officers involved in the incident, citing a lack of a realistic prospect of conviction. In contrast, the two brothers were charged with multiple offences relating to the assault on police. Mohammed Amaaz faced two counts of causing actual bodily harm, one count of assaulting an emergency worker, and one count of common assault. Meanwhile, Muhammed Amaad was charged with causing actual bodily harm. This incident unfolded against a backdrop of heightened scrutiny of police conduct in the UK. Public sentiment had turned increasingly critical following allegations of excessive force utilized against ethnic minorities and recent scandals involving officers accused of serious crimes. The footage from the airport ignited protests in response to perceived police brutality, prompting calls for accountability and reform within the police force. Amid these tensions, Greater Manchester Police issued a statement expressing support for the officers involved while simultaneously confirming the ongoing investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct. As the case progressed, it became clear that the charges faced by the brothers would be closely scrutinized. They were set to appear at Liverpool Magistrates' Court on January 16, 2024, as both the public and commentators awaited further developments regarding the incident and its implications on police oversight and community relations. The Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Stephen Watson welcomed the decision made by the Crown Prosecution Service not to bring charges against officers, emphasizing their commitment to cooperate with the ongoing investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct.