Man Convicted of Assaulting Police Officers at Manchester Airport

Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 20, was found guilty at Liverpool Crown Court of assaulting two female police officers, PC Lydia Ward and PC Ellie Cook, during a violent incident at Manchester Airport in July 2024. Amaaz was convicted of causing actual bodily harm to PC Ward and assaulting PC Cook, as well as assaulting a member of the public, Abdulkareem Ismaeil, just prior to the police confrontation. The altercation, which was recorded on CCTV and viral mobile phone footage, showed Amaaz throwing multiple punches, elbow strikes, and a kick at officers, while his brother, Muhammad Amaad, also engaged in the violent struggle. Both brothers claimed they acted in self-defense against what they described as an 'out of control' police team, with Amaaz expressing fear for his life during the incident. The jury was unable to reach a verdict on charges related to the assault of PC Zachary Marsden, who was recorded kicking Amaaz after he had been Tasered, and the prosecution is considering a retrial on those counts. The case highlights tensions during confrontations between police and suspects, as well as debates over the use of force by law enforcement.