In the latest developments surrounding the violent incident at Manchester Airport on 23 July, a second police officer involved in the altercation has been informed by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) that he will face a criminal investigation. Meanwhile, the two males who assaulted the officers have yet to be charged, sparking outrage within the emergency services community.
Second Officer Under Investigation
The IOPC has revealed that a second Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officer is now under criminal investigation for assault about the incident. The first announcement of a GMP police constable being investigated for assault was made on 26 July, following the initial arrests at the airport. The second officer is also being investigated for potential gross misconduct, specifically concerning alleged breaches of police professional standards, including their use of force.
The IOPC emphasised, “The serving of notices does not necessarily mean criminal charges or misconduct proceedings will follow. At the end of our investigation, we will decide whether to refer the matter to the Crown Prosecution Service for a charging decision and decide whether the officer should face disciplinary proceedings.”
Assailants Yet to Be Charged
Despite the serious assault on three police officers, including head injuries and a female officer sustaining a broken nose, the two males involved in the attack have not been charged. This has caused significant uproar among the emergency services community, who are calling for swift justice and accountability.
Official Statements
The IOPC’s statement included comments from their Regional Director, who acknowledged the complexity and rapid escalation of the situation at Manchester Airport. “The incident, which resulted in injuries to police officers and members of the public, has caused understandable concern, and we are working hard to piece together all of the relevant events on that day,” the Director stated.
“In parallel, Greater Manchester Police is investigating whether any criminal offences were committed by members of the public during the initial altercation and the subsequent arrests. These investigations are separate, and we are liaising with the Crown Prosecution Service to establish how they can progress in parallel.”
Community and Federation Reactions
The lack of charges against the assailants has not gone unnoticed. Many in the law enforcement community have expressed their discontent with the current situation, calling for immediate action against those responsible for the assault on the officers. However, the Greater Manchester Police Federation has yet to make a statement regarding the fact that the two males involved in the assault are still uncharged.
Moving Forward
As the investigations continue, the public and the law enforcement community are closely monitoring the situation. The demand for transparency and swift justice remains high, with many advocating for a balanced and thorough investigation that holds all parties accountable for their actions.