Two brothers unleashed a violent attack on armed police officers at Manchester Airport, a court heard on Monday. Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 21, and his older sibling Muhammad Amaad, 26, launched a fierce assault as officers tried to arrest Mohammed in the Terminal Two parking payment area.
Shocking Assault on Police
The court learned that Amaaz struck unarmed officer PC Lydia Ward square in the face, breaking her nose. Meanwhile, PC Ellie Cook, also armed, was pummelled with a “flurry of blows.” PC Zachary Marsden was repeatedly hit while attempting the arrest. The drama unfolded in July 2024 and was caught on camera. Prosecutor Paul Greaney KC showed the jury CCTV footage revealing the savage scene—punches, kicks, and intense violence erupting in seconds.
“Those actions look rather shocking in the cold light of day, but you must judge them in the context of the serious threat posed by the defendants to an officer worried about his firearm being taken,” said Mr Greaney.
Violence Sparks After Earlier Attack in Starbucks
Amaaz was previously found guilty of assaulting PC Ward and PC Cook. He also attacked a Qatari man, Abdulkareem Ismaeil, in a Starbucks minutes earlier. The brothers had been at the airport to meet their mother arriving from Pakistan via Qatar, but a dispute involving Ismaeil left tempers boiling. Amaaz headbutted and punched Ismaeil, sparking the chain of events leading to the airport brawl. The police stepped in to arrest Amaaz, triggering the violent confrontation.
Brothers Claim Self-Defence as Trial Continues
Both men deny assaulting PC Marsden, claiming they acted in self-defence—Amaad defending his brother, and Amaaz insisting his actions were lawful. The jury saw bodycam footage and evidence showing severe blows delivered within 30 seconds. Mr Greaney told jurors the case was straightforward: “You will see what happened with your own eyes. The defendants’ claim of self-defence doesn’t stand against the evidence.” The trial is ongoing, with the court weighing the explosive footage and the brothers’ claims of innocence.
