Two siblings, Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 21, and Muhammad Amaad, 26, from Rochdale, are accused of engaging in a violent altercation with armed police at Manchester Airport, lasting around 30 seconds. The incident unfolded after the brothers arrived at the airport to collect their mother, who had a dispute during her return flight from Pakistan via Qatar.
According to court proceedings, Amaaz allegedly assaulted a man at the airport’s Starbucks outlet and later attacked three police officers at terminal two on July 23, 2024. Testimonies revealed that Amaaz was convicted of assaulting a man at Starbucks and the subsequent assaults on officers PC Lydia Ward, PC Ellie Cook, and PC Zachary Marsden.
During the altercation, PC Ward sustained a broken nose and significant bleeding, while PC Cook suffered minor injuries. Amaaz and Amaad are currently on trial for the alleged assault on PC Marsden at the airport’s pay station, with both denying the accusations.
The prosecution stated that the confrontation stemmed from an earlier incident involving the brothers’ mother and another passenger on the same flight. The siblings encountered the passenger at the airport, leading to a physical confrontation witnessed by several individuals.
Following the initial altercation, police were summoned, and the brothers were located at the car park. Subsequently, a scuffle broke out between the defendants and officers, resulting in a high level of violence directed at the law enforcement personnel. The prosecution argued that the actions of the brothers necessitated a robust response from the officers, emphasizing the need to assess the situation within the context of the airport environment.
The prosecution presented video evidence, including body-worn camera footage, to support their case. The defense contended that the brothers acted in self-defense during the altercation with PC Marsden. The trial is ongoing as the court deliberates on the charges against the defendants.
The trial is ongoing, with further proceedings expected as the jury assesses the evidence and testimonies presented.
