Police officer recounts being punched and left terrified in Manchester Airport brawl

A police officer, PC Lydia Ward, had her nose broken after being punched to the floor at Manchester Airport. She told the court she was 'absolutely terrified'. Jurors saw footage of her with blood streaming from her nose after the incident. The attack occurred in July 2024 when Mohammed Fahir Amaaz was being arrested for allegedly headbutting a man in an airport Starbucks. A brawl broke out between police, Amaaz, and his brother Muhammad Amaad.

PC Ward mentioned that they intended to detain Amaaz, but he resisted when officers tried to take him outside. She described the situation escalating quickly, leading to her being punched in the face and falling to the floor. PC Ward, who joined the force in 2018, expressed fear and shock at the violence used against her.

She recalled feeling blood pouring from her nose and being scared of further attacks. Despite people filming and shouting in the area, no one came to assist. Defence lawyer Rosemary Fernandes argued that Amaaz believed he was being attacked and punched PC Ward in self-defense. The trial continues with both Amaaz and Amaad denying the allegations.