Here is a timeline of events involving footage of a fracas at Manchester Airport which went viral on social media last July.
– July 23 2024 Greater Manchester Police (GMP) say three of their officers received head injuries, including a broken nose, at Manchester Airport and that four men were arrested at the scene on suspicion of affray and assault on emergency service workers.
– July 24 A police officer is removed from operational duties after mobile phone footage is shared online which appears to show an officer kick and stamp on the head of a man lying face down on the floor.
Later that night, an estimated 200 people gather outside Rochdale police station to protest.
– July 25 A GMP officer is suspended from all duties. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirms it is independently investigating the level of force used.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham says he has seen full footage of the incident, which shows a “fast-moving and complicated” situation with “issues for both sides”.
Akhmed Yakoob – dubbed the “Tik Tok lawyer – tells reporters in Rochdale that the family involved in the incident have asked for his help as he describes the injuries of the man on the floor, 19-year-old Mohammed Fahir Amaaz.
Protests in Manchester city centre that evening involve blocked roads and tram lines while videos online appear to show a handful of demonstrators, with their faces covered, throwing eggs at Rochdale police station.
Newly elected Rochdale Labour MP Paul Waugh says he has spoken to the family who tell him they are “deeply traumatised” and want justice but have appealed for calm.
– July 26 The IOPC announces that a police constable is under criminal investigation for assault and has been told he is being investigated for potential gross misconduct for a number of alleged breaches of professional standards, including his use of force.
– July 27 New footage, appearing to show events in the moments before the video which has already been shared, becomes public. The Manchester Evening News publishes the video which appears to show men throwing punches at officers. Two female officers are struck, with one ending up on the ground.
– August 1 The family’s new lawyer, Aamer Anwar, says he has spoken to the IOPC about lodging a formal complaint against officers and says the family wants to understand on what legal basis Mr Burnham was shown the complete CCTV.
– August 6 The family including Amaaz, his brother Muhammad Amaad and their mother, Shameem Akhtar, hold a press conference in central Manchester in which they outline their version of events on July 23. Mr Anwar says the family have suffered “horrific, racist and Islamophobic” abuse on social media.
– August 8 The IOPC reveals a second officer is under criminal investigation for assault, relating to an incident shortly afterwards when two other men were arrested. The watchdog’s acting regional director, Catherine Bates, says its investigation is in parallel with a GMP investigation into whether criminal offences were committed by members of the public.
– August 15 GMP says a “comprehensive file of evidence” has been submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for advice as part of an investigation into a series of alleged criminal offences.
– October 7 MPs from Reform UK write to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, pledging to launch a private prosecution against those involved if charges are not brought by the CPS.
– November 18 The CPS says it is still “considering material” and working with police and the IOPC while inquiries continue. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage says the party will make a legal application.
– December 20 It is announced that Amaaz has been charged with two offences of causing actual bodily harm, one charge of assaulting an emergency worker and one charge of common assault, and Amaad has been charged with one count of causing actual bodily harm. No police officers will be charged, the CPS says.
GMP lift the suspension of the officer who was taken off all duties in July.
– February 13 2025 Amaaz pleads not guilty at Liverpool Crown Court to allegations of assaulting Pc Zachary Marsden, Pc Lydia Ward and Pc Ellie Cook on July 23.
He also pleads not guilty to assaulting Abdulkareem Ismaeil, a member of the public, at a Starbucks cafe in the airport’s Terminal 2 Arrivals on the same date.
Amaad denies assaulting Pc Marsden.
– June 30 Amaaz and Amaad go on trial at Liverpool Crown Court.
– July 30 Amaaz is remanded into custody after he is convicted of assaulting Pc Ward, Pc Cook and Mr Ismaeil. Jurors cannot reach verdicts on allegations that he and his brother assaulted Pc Marsden.
– August 6 The IOPC confirms a separate probe is under way as a police officer is under criminal investigation over the alleged leak in July 2024 of CCTV footage of the airport fracas to the media.
– April 13 2026 The retrial of Amaaz and Amaad over the allegation they assaulted Pc Marsden begins.
– May 20 The jury fails to reach verdicts in the retrial.
– May 29 Amaaz and Amaad will not face a third trial, Liverpool Crown Court heard.
– June 26 Amaaz will be sentenced for assaulting Pc Ward, Pc Cook and Mr Ismaeil.
