A TOP Scottish lawyer is to represent the family involved in an incident at Manchester Airport which appeared to include a police officer kicking a man in the head as he lay on the ground.
Fahir Amaaz and Muhammad Amaad were involved in a clash with police officers at Manchester Airport on July 23.
Footage posted on social media appeared to show an armed police officer stamping on the head of a man as he was on the ground.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said three of their officers had been assaulted, including a woman who suffered a broken nose, and four men arrested.
It’s understood that two police officers were pushed to the ground in the melee before other officers restrained the men with tasers.
Indeed, CCTV footage released on social media days after the incident appeared to show two men punching officers in the face after they attempted to make an arrest.
The police later confirmed that an officer had been suspended and a referral made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for a full, independent investigation.
“We understand the deep concerns that have been widely raised with us, and will continue to meet and discuss these feelings with Greater Manchester residents and elected representatives, whilst this independent investigation takes place,” a spokesperson said.
Chief Constable Stephen Watson has issued a statement following an incident which took place at Manchester Airport on Tuesday evening. pic.twitter.com/mpwDg9QiuA
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) July 26, 2024
Now, renowned Scottish lawyer Aamer Anwar has announced that he will be representing the family going forward.
In a statement released on Monday, he said: “I am instructed on behalf of Fahir Amaaz, Muhammad Amaad, their mother and family in respect of the incident at Manchester Airport on Tuesday, 23rd July 2024.
“I have spoken to the IOPC with regards to lodging a formal complaint and expect all CCTV and police bodycam footage to be retained.
“There can be no excuse for any footage to inadvertently disappear.
“If certain police officers behave like this in an area full of CCTV and in the presence so many witnesses, then it really begs the question of what they are capable of when there is no such evidence.
“Highly trained police officers can never use provocation or emotion to justify the use of excessive, illegitimate and potentially lethal force.
“I would also urge any members of the public who witnessed the incident or were subjected to police violence to come forward and either contact the IOPC or my office.
“The family of whom a number are serving police officers, wish to make it clear, if any member of their family was engaged in criminal conduct then they must face due process.
“However the repeated attempts by so called police sources to spin a false narrative or context are deeply unhelpful to an IOPC investigation.
“We expect the GMP to arrest a member of public who is accused of subjecting the two brother’s 60-year-old mother to a tirade of racist abuse and assault- this is what sparked the incident- the police of course have his details and must act immediately.
“Over the coming days once formal legal steps and our investigations are complete, the family will issue a full statement at a press conference.”
