The one in a million fluke which wrecked a career

Shahid Mahmood was in his mid thirties when he made a brave career move. His skills as a fully qualified engineer no longer guaranteed work and being a taxi driver brought no satisfaction.

He joined Greater Manchester Police. It was a move which gave him purpose - helping the community in his own backyard of Bolton.

But a freak incident while training with the force would change his life forever.

He was taking part in riot training at GMP's Openshaw complex when an astonishing twist of fate left him blind in one eye. He is just one of many police officers in the UK whose careers were ended by severe injury and left them with no recognition for the service they gave.

His ordeal and those of several other ex-GMP officers is highlighted in a new book helping to spearhead a campaign by ex-policeman, Tom Curry, for the thousands of emergency workers from all three services who were forced to retire through injury to get the recognition they deserve.

More than 90 MPs are now backing the campaign.

Shahid, now 67, is the uncle of Bolton former world boxing champion, Amir Khan, and father of ex England and Lancashire cricketer, Sajid Mahmood.

He said: "I joined the force in 1994. I had always wanted to do something related to the law and thought of being a lawyer when younger. But my dad persuaded me that engineering was the best thing and I became a fully qualified engineer.

"But then I got made redundant. I moved to London, working there, but missed my family and came back to Bolton.

"Then I started doing anything I could. I did a bit of taxi driving, then I had the opportunity to join the force. By then I was a bit old to start studying to be a solicitor, so I opted for the police. I was lucky enough to get assigned