Police say they are still awaiting a charging decision from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) regarding the events that preceeded the viral Manchester Airport arrest video.
It comes as the Reform Party has threatened to launch private prosecutions against the suspects if they are not charged. Shocking footage of a fracas at the airport went viral and appeared to show an officer kicking and stamping on the head of Fahir Amaaz, 19, as he and his brother Muhammed Amaad, 25, were restrained by officers.
However, further footage emerged days later which showed the immediate lead-up to the incident on July 23, including two female police officers being attacked and hit to the ground before Mr Amaaz was incapacitated with a Taser, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Two people were arrested and the Greater Manchester Police have been investigating the actions of the individuals whilst the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) are probing the actions of the officers.
Reform UK today published a letter to the Home Secretary Yvette Cooper signed by their leader Nigel Farage, their Deputy Leader Richard Tice, and their three fellow MPs Lee Anderson, Rupert Lowe and James McMurdock.
The letter states that the public have “very real concerns” about “two tier policing and two tier justice” as they question why the suspects have not yet been charged.
“We have genuine reason to be concerned that in fact the CPS is awaiting for the IOPC to find some fault with the police officers, which will then give them a reason not to progress charges against the assailants. This is totally unacceptable” they say.
“We are therefore serving notice that if the CPS is not going to charge the assailants, then we will organise a private criminal prosecution against them. We have taken initial advice and have a legal team on standby to progress when required.” The letter adds that the prosecution would be crowdfunded if necessary.
The CPS has been approached for comment.
The IOPC have previously said two officers are under criminal investigation for assault following the events. “The serving of notices does not necessarily mean criminal charges or misconduct proceedings will follow” they said.
“At the end of our investigation we will decide whether to refer the matter to the Crown Prosecution Service for a charging decision and decide whether the officer should face disciplinary proceedings.”
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