At Manchester Airport, tensions erupted into violence as police officers confronted a hostile suspect in Terminal Two. PC Ellie Cook has publicly supported a colleague’s head kick, describing it as “necessary and proportionate” amid the chaotic arrest.
The violent clash began at a Starbucks and continued at an airport pay station. PC Cook told jurors she was punched and kicked during a “very hostile situation” involving brothers Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 21, and Muhammad Amaad, 26. Mohammed Fahir Amaaz is accused of assaulting multiple officers, including PC Zachary Marsden, who is alleged to have delivered the head kick in question.
The incident was triggered by a heated dispute involving Amaaz’s mother on a flight from Pakistan via Qatar. At a Starbucks within the airport, Amaaz attacked a man before assaulting three officers at a nearby pay station on July 23, 2024.
PC Cook described the arrest drama, explaining how she and armed PC Marsden tried to restrain Amaaz by grabbing his arms to handcuff him. When Amaaz resisted, Cook attempted to control his arm but was unsuccessful. “He was stronger than I was,” she said. Suddenly, Muhammad Amaad intervened, trying to block Marsden’s arrest efforts and accidentally striking Cook in the head.
In response, Cook punched Amaad in the jaw to create space, but Amaaz retaliated with powerful kicks and punches, knocking her to the ground.
PC Cook recalled fearing for the safety of her colleagues and the public. She deployed a Taser on Amaaz and tackled the violent suspect, despite uncertainty over whether the Taser connected initially. Moments later, she witnessed PC Marsden deliver a head kick to Amaaz — 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 also revealed this was the only time she has pressed her emergency button during her career.
The aftermath of the incident left PC Marsden suffering from 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 injured during the confrontation. The court continues to hear gripping evidence from the violent airport showdown.
Originally published by UKNIP.
