New GMP statement as officers remain under criminal investigation over Manchester Airport incident

Greater Manchester Police have issued a new statement on the Manchester Airport incident, as officers involved remain under criminal investigation.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has been investigating the violent scenes which unfolded on July 23, involving members of a Rochdale family and a number of police officers.

In an update issued on Thursday (August 8), the IOPC confirmed a second officer is now under criminal investigation for assault, relating to an incident in which two other men were arrested at Manchester Airport.

READ MORE Second GMP officer under criminal investigation over Manchester Airport incident

They are also being investigated for potential gross misconduct for alleged breaches of police professional standards including their use of force. Four men also remain on police bail in relation to the incident.

Protests broke out in Manchester and Rochdale after the first video showing violent scenes at Manchester Airport circulated online after July 23. It showed an officer appearing to kick and stamp on the head of Fahir Amaaz, 19, while he was on the ground.

A second video, exclusively obtained by the Manchester Evening News, showed violent scenes which erupted in the moments before the incident - with Mr Amaaz and his brother, Muhammad Amaad, 25, appearing to throw punches at a male police officer.

In a new statement, a spokesperson for the force said that the Major Incident Team are making 'good progress' in investigating alleged criminal offences against members of the public and officers.

It comes after a new complaint against Greater Manchester Police was also referred to the police watchdog on Tuesday (August 6), detailing several allegations, from one of the people involved.