A Greater Manchester Police officer is under criminal investigation for allegedly leaking CCTV footage of a violent incident involving police and two men at Manchester Airport. The footage, widely circulated on social media, was linked to a July 2023 altercation that resulted in the conviction of Mohammed Fahir Amaaz for assaulting two female officers.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed it is probing the officer for sharing video evidence from an ongoing investigation without a valid policing purpose. The video, reportedly passed to the media, raised serious concerns over data handling and procedural integrity within the force.
Ongoing Investigation Into Breach of Police Powers
The IOPC stated that an independent investigation was launched in September 2024 following a referral from Greater Manchester Police. The officer in question has been formally notified that they are being investigated on suspicion of corrupt or improper use of police powers, unlawful access to personal data, and misuse of computer systems under the Computer Misuse Act 1990.
Additional allegations include misconduct in public office and perverting the course of justice, with the watchdog confirming that the officer’s official statement will be obtained “in due course.”
Airport Attacker Found Guilty in Violent Incident
The leaked video relates to a disturbing incident at Manchester Airport in July 2023. Last week, Mohammed Fahir Amaaz was found guilty at Liverpool Crown Court of assaulting PC Lydia Ward, causing actual bodily harm, and assaulting emergency worker PC Ellie Cook.
Amaaz’s three-week trial ended with his conviction on two counts, while the jury was unable to reach a verdict on further allegations that he and his brother, Muhammad Amaad, assaulted PC Zachary Marsden
