New Manchester Airport video family solicitor issues 'complaint' update

The new solicitor representing the Rochdale family at the centre of the Manchester Airport arrest storm says he has spoken to the police watchdog over 'lodging a formal complaint'. Aamer Anwar announced he was taking over the case on Monday (July 29), after Akhmed Yakoob 'stepped aside'.

The move came after the Manchester Evening News published new video footage over the weekend, which showed violent scenes that unfolded moments before an officer appeared to kick a man in the head. Mr Anwar insists that the footage which has been released 'does not show exactly what the police did'.

He has also questioned why Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham was shown complete CCTV of the incident prior to the family. In a statement issued this afternoon (August 1) on the family involved, Mr Anwar said: “I have now spoken to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) with regards to lodging a formal complaint against officers from Greater Manchester Police.”

READ MORE: Why we decided to publish the crucial new Manchester Airport video

He added: “We also seek to understand on what legal basis Andy Burnham was shown the complete CCTV and by whom. The repeated attempts by so-called ‘police sources’ to spin a false narrative or partial context is deeply unhelpful to an IOPC investigation.

"Leaked footage does not show exactly what the police did, how the incident unfolded, nor the full conduct of officers in the aftermath of the incident in all parts of the airport, including after the arrests. As for leaking of CCTV, we understand that will also form part of their investigation, but whilst it may be blatantly obvious who would benefit from such a cynical and partial leak, proving who the individual or ‘institution’ is likely