A female police officer was left injured after being violently attacked by a man at Manchester Airport. Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 21, from Rochdale, was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison for the assault. The incident, which gained significant attention on social media, occurred when PCs Lydia Ward and Ellie Cook responded to reports of a disturbance in Terminal 2 on July 23, 2024.

During the altercation, Amaaz resisted arrest and physically assaulted both officers, causing PC Ward to suffer a broken nose and concussion, while PC Cook, a firearms officer, sustained a jaw injury. PC Ward, now a police sergeant, delivered a powerful victim impact statement in court, addressing Amaaz directly through a video link from prison.

Describing the traumatic events, PC Ward highlighted the fear and violence she experienced during the attack. She expressed her frustration at Amaaz portraying himself as a victim after the incident and emphasized the impact of his actions on her physical and emotional well-being. PC Cook also shared her perspective, recounting how she was forced to defend herself and her colleague during the assault, which led her to step down from firearms duties.

The officers’ accounts shed light on the lasting effects of the attack, with PC Ward undergoing surgery to repair her broken nose and facing a constant reminder of the incident. PC Cook emphasized the profound impact of the assault on her decision to leave firearms duties, condemning Amaaz for robbing her of that role. The emotional testimonies serve as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers in the line of duty.