A female police officer was viciously attacked by a man at Manchester Airport, leaving her bloodied. The assailant, Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 21, from Rochdale, was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in jail following the incident. The attack, which occurred on July 23, 2024, generated significant social media discussion after video footage of the assault circulated widely online.
PCs Lydia Ward and Ellie Cook were responding to a reported headbutt in Terminal 2 when they were assaulted by Amaaz. He violently resisted arrest, striking both officers. PC Ward suffered a broken nose and concussion, while PC Cook, a firearms officer, sustained a jaw injury.
In her victim impact statement read at Liverpool Crown Court, PC Ward, now a police sergeant, addressed Amaaz directly, emphasizing her physical vulnerability and the emotional trauma caused by the attack. She recalled the moment Amaaz made eye contact with her before the assault, expressing her fear and confusion over the sudden violence inflicted upon her.
PC Ward criticized Amaaz for portraying himself as a victim in public statements and failing to show remorse for his actions. She highlighted the negative impact of the incident on her physical appearance and mental well-being, noting that the attack would have lasting repercussions in her life.
PC Cook, who also suffered injuries during the assault, recounted the moment her vision blurred after being punched by Amaaz. She reflected on the necessity of deploying her taser to protect herself and her colleague, expressing concern over Amaaz’s intent to harm them further.
Following the incident, PC Cook disclosed her decision to resign from firearms duties, attributing it to the trauma caused by the attack. She conveyed a sense of loss and betrayal towards Amaaz, emphasizing the enduring impact of his actions on her professional life.
The aftermath of the assault has left lasting physical and emotional scars on both police officers, underscoring the profound effects of such violent encounters in law enforcement.
