Two men have been charged following an altercation at Manchester Airport, while the Crown Prosecution Service confirmed that no officers will face charges related to the incident.

The incident, which took place on July 23, 2024, garnered significant attention after video footage of the encounter between police officers and the public was widely circulated online, leading to protests.

Further exclusive footage obtained by the Manchester Evening News highlighted the events leading up to the incident.

On December 15, 2024, the Crown Prosecution Service announced that two men had been charged with assaulting police officers:

• Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 20, of Rochdale, faces two counts of causing actual bodily harm, one count of assaulting an emergency worker, and one count of common assault.
• Muhammad Amaad, 25, also of Rochdale, has been charged with one count of causing actual bodily harm.

The two men are scheduled to appear at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on January 16, 2025.

Prosecutors stated that there was “no realistic prospect of conviction” for any police officers involved. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is nearing completion of its investigation into the police's use of force during the incident.

Aamer Anwar, the solicitor representing Mr. Amaaz and Mr. Amaad, asserted that both men "maintain their innocence" and plan to "vigorously contest" the charges.

Mr. Anwar stated, "Today the Crown Prosecution Service confirmed that our clients are facing charges regarding their alleged involvement in the incident at Manchester Airport on July 23, 2024."

Continuing, he said, "There has been considerable public comment regarding this case; hence, nothing further should be said that could prejudice ongoing legal proceedings."

Mr. Anwar noted that the incident prompted a thorough investigation by the IOPC and Greater Manchester Police (GMP). The CPS has determined that there is insufficient evidence for a "realistic prospect" of conviction against any police officers.

He added, "Our clients are shocked by this decision and will request a review of the CPS's decision."

Frank Ferguson, head of the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, elaborated, "This was a high-profile incident that drew significant public interest and media coverage, necessitating our close collaboration with IOPC and GMP from the outset."

He stated that the review of all available evidence, including witness statements and video footage, led to the conclusion that two men should be charged for assaults on police officers. However, they found no grounds to charge the officers involved.

The CPS emphasizes the need for a fair trial for all defendants and warns against any commentary that might prejudice the legal process.

A spokesperson for the IOPC confirmed awareness of the CPS decision to take no further action against police officers involved in the events of July 23. They noted that their independent investigation into the use of force against six individuals is ongoing and nearing completion.

"We shared relevant evidence with the CPS as it became available to facilitate a swift decision on potential charges," the spokesperson added.

The IOPC will decide whether any disciplinary action is necessary against GMP officers and address complaints from the public concerning the incident.

Labour MP for Rochdale, Paul Waugh, expressed concern about the incident, urging that the independent judicial process be allowed to conclude before making further comments. "We should wait for the IOPC investigation results, which are expected shortly." he said.