At Manchester Airport, tensions exploded into violence as police officers battled a hostile suspect in Terminal Two. PC Ellie Cook has defended a colleague’s head kick as “necessary and proportionate” during the chaotic arrest.
Violent Clash in Starbucks and Airport Pay Station
PC Cook told jurors she was punched and kicked amid a “very hostile situation” involving brothers Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 21, and Muhammad Amaad, 26. The younger Amaaz is accused of assaulting multiple officers, including PC Zachary Marsden, who allegedly delivered the head kick in question. The trouble sparked after a heated row involving Amaaz’s mother on a flight from Pakistan via Qatar. At a Starbucks in the airport, Amaaz attacked a man, then went on to assault three officers at a nearby pay station on July 23, 2024.
Behind the Arrest Drama
PC Cook described how she and armed PC Marsden grabbed Amaaz’s arms to handcuff him. When Amaaz tensed up, she tried to control his arm but failed. “He was stronger than I was,” she said. Suddenly, Amaad appeared and tried to block Marsden’s arrest efforts, accidentally striking Cook in the head. Cook fought back with punches to Amaad’s jaw to create space, but Amaaz retaliated with forceful kicks and punches, knocking her to the ground.
High Stakes and Harsh Measures
PC Cook recalled fearing for her colleagues and the public. She deployed a Taser on Amaaz, tackling the violent suspect despite uncertainty if it connected initially. Moments later, she witnessed PC Marsden kick Amaaz in the head — a move she had never seen before but justified “due to the high level of violence.” Cook explained: “It seemed necessary and proportionate for me.” She admitted this was the only time she’s pressed her emergency button in her career.
The Aftermath: Injuries and Ongoing Trial
- PC Marsden suffered post-concussion syndrome, severe headaches, dizziness, and bruising.
- PC Lydia Ward was left in tears with a broken nose and heavy bleeding after Amaaz struck her face.
- PC Cook sustained swelling and pain to her face and jaw.
The Amaaz brothers deny assaulting PC Marsden, who was seriously hurt during the fracas. The court continues to hear gripping evidence from the violent airport showdown.
