Man Jailed After Brutal Attack on Police at Manchester Airport – Officer’s Nose Broken

A man has been found guilty of assaulting two female police officers at Manchester Airport in an incident that occurred in July 2024.

Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 20, punched PC Lydia Ward in the face, knocking her to the ground and breaking her nose. He was also convicted of assaulting PC Ellie Cook and a civilian, Abdulkareem Ismaeil, whom he attacked earlier at a Starbucks café inside the airport.

The violent episode unfolded on July 23, 2024, at the airport’s car park pay area. Amaaz and his older brother, Muhammad Amaad, 26, had gone to the airport to pick up their mother from a flight. The situation escalated after Amaaz entered the Starbucks and headbutted Mr. Ismaeil, whom he accused of racially abusing their mother during the flight.

When police responded, the brothers resisted arrest. They later claimed in court that they were unaware the individuals approaching them were police officers. Prosecutors, however, said the brothers responded with extreme aggression. Amaaz reportedly threw 10 punches, two elbow strikes, and a kick, while his brother, Amaad, landed six blows on firearms officer PC Zachary Marsden.

During the trial, Amaaz said he feared PC Marsden—whom he described as a “lunatic”—was going to beat him severely. Amaad also testified that he believed he was being attacked. A video showing PC Marsden kicking and stamping on Amaaz was widely circulated on social media in the days following the altercation.

Despite both brothers denying the charges and claiming they acted in self-defense, the jury at Liverpool Crown Court found Mohammed Amaaz guilty of causing actual bodily harm to PC Ward, and of assaulting PC Cook and Mr. Ismaeil. The jury, however, was unable to reach a verdict on whether the brothers assaulted PC Marsden. Prosecutor Paul Greaney KC confirmed that the prosecution intends to seek a retrial on that count.

Following the verdict, Sir Stephen Watson, Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, condemning Amaaz’s "appalling conduct." He also highlighted the frequent violence faced by officers, stating that 44 GMP officers are assaulted every week.

“Our officers are decent people who routinely place themselves in harm’s way to protect the public,” Sir Stephen said. “They deserve our respect and support.”