A female police officer, who was viciously attacked by a man at Manchester Airport, recounted how the assailant made direct eye contact with her before launching the violent assault. Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 21, from Rochdale, was handed a three-and-a-half-year prison sentence for the incident, which generated significant discussion on social media following the widespread circulation of footage.
PCs Lydia Ward and Ellie Cook were assaulted by Amaaz while responding to a report of a headbutt in Terminal 2 on the evening of July 23, 2024. Amaaz resisted arrest and physically attacked the two officers, causing PC Ward to sustain a broken nose and concussion, and leaving PC Cook, a firearms officer, with a jaw injury.
PC Ward, who is now a police sergeant, bravely delivered her victim personal statement in court, directly addressing Amaaz via videolink from prison. She emphasized the disparity in physical strength between them and expressed her shock at the unprovoked attack. PC Ward detailed the fear and confusion she experienced during the assault, highlighting the lasting impact on her physical and emotional well-being.
Following the attack, Amaaz portrayed himself as a victim in the public eye, a move that PC Ward vehemently refuted. She condemned his lack of remorse and the false narrative he propagated, which led to online harassment and defamation against her. PC Ward disclosed the need for a corrective surgery to repair her nose and lamented the enduring trauma caused by the incident.
PC Cook recounted how she felt her vision darken after being punched by Amaaz and witnessing her colleague’s assault. She managed to deploy her taser in defense, preventing further harm to herself and PC Ward. PC Cook expressed her frustration at having to relinquish her firearms duties due to the attack, highlighting the profound impact it had on her professional life.
In a poignant message to Amaaz, PC Cook questioned his intentions and the extent of his violent behavior, underscoring the lasting consequences of his actions. She emphasized the profound loss she experienced as a result of the incident and conveyed her hope that Amaaz would never forget the harm he caused, mirroring the enduring impact it had on her own life.