A solicitor representing the family involved in the incident at Manchester Airport has provided an update in a press conference
The medical condition of one of the men seen in a video at Manchester Airport which led to a police officer being suspended has worsened, according to his family's solicitor.
Akhmed Yakoob provided an update at a press conference in Rochdale this afternoon (July 25). He has named one of the men involved in the incident as Mohammed Fahir, asking the public to 'pray for his wellbeing' as doctors deal with a 'cyst on his brain'.
Greater Manchester Police, which was called to reports of an assault at the airport on Tuesday (July 23), has suspended one of the officers involved. The force said that four men were arrested during the incident which left a police officer with a broken nose.
GMP has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) over the incident. Mr Yakoob, who was backed by former Rochdale MP George Galloway when he stood as an independent candidate in Birmingham earlier this year, said that he has now met with the IOPC.
Speaking on Al Jazeera earlier, he revealed that a member of the family is a serving GMP officer but has not returned to work since the incident because 'he is afraid' of what the police may do. At a press conference in Rochdale, he provided the following update.
He said: "I'm here outside Rochdale Police Station about an incident that took place at Manchester Airport two days ago now. It was something that hasn't been seen before, such police brutality.
"I can tell you guys now that the people who were assaulted by the police are members of a police officer's family who is currently serving in the Greater Manchester Police force. This man is now afraid to go to work. He went in today and spoke to his supervisor. The only reason he is not going to work because he is fearing for his own safety and he thinks like his family members who were the victims, he could be a victim.
"In relation to the investigation, the IOPC are involved and I've just finished with a meeting from them. The family are okay but they are traumatised.
"Muhammed Fahir, his medical condition has worsened since last night. A CT scan has revealed there is a cyst on his brain so please pray for his wellbeing.
"Right now the main concern for us, for me, is that the family receives justice and that this no longer happens again.
"Just imagine a first time visitor to the UK and they get to see the brutality from the UK police. They will not want to visit the UK again - well I wouldn't if I see that sort of brutality by people who were meant to be protectors of the public and not aggressors and oppressors.
"It's at early stages right now and I can't go into to the actual investigation but I'm sure everyone here is here because they have seen the videos. And in due course I will be giving a more detailed statement but for now that's all we have. Thank you."
In a statement this morning (July 25), GMP said: "Following a thorough review of further information that has become available in relation to an incident at Manchester Airport on Tuesday evening, Greater Manchester Police has suspended a police officer from all duties. A referral has now been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct for a full independent investigation. "We understand the deep concerns that have been widely raised with us, and will continue to meet and discuss these feelings with Greater Manchester residents and elected representatives, whilst this independent investigation takes place." Follow Manchester Today on Facebook, and Instagram. Send your story ideas to Newsdesk@ManchesterToday.org.uk
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