The incident at Manchester Airport in July 2024 remains etched in the memory of many as a deeply disturbing example of how dangerous and violent situations can erupt even in secure environments like airports. This particular case involves a young female police officer, PC Lydia Ward, who was left severely injured and emotionally shaken after being punched in the face during a chaotic Attempt to Arrest Mohammed Fahir Amaaz inside Terminal 2’s Starbucks. Bodycam footage has since been presented to the public and in court, revealing the terrifying moments she endured.
A Routine Call Turns Violent
On the day of the incident, police officers at Manchester Airport were dispatched following a report that a man had allegedly headbutted a member of the public. When PC Lydia Ward and two of her colleagues—PC Zachary Marsden and PC Cook—responded to the call, they located the suspect, 20-year-old Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, near a ticket machine. At the time, Amaaz matched the description of the man involved in the assault.
Approaching him for arrest, the officers found themselves in an unexpectedly violent altercation. Amaaz allegedly began resisting the arrest from the outset. The situation rapidly escalated when his older brother, 26-year-old Muhammad Amaad, intervened. The confrontation, as described by witnesses and captured on video, quickly turned into a physical brawl involving a high level of aggression from the two men.
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PC Ward later described to the jury how she was attempting to restrain Amaaz and secure his arms to place handcuffs when the struggle intensified. Her colleague, PC Marsden, was either pushed or fell onto nearby seats during the scuffle, and Amaaz began kicking him aggressively. In her attempts to pull Amaaz off PC Marsden, PC Ward was punched directly in the face, leading to a serious injury. She recalled how the blow caused her to fall to the floor, momentarily losing consciousness as everything went black.
Full video shows PC Lydia Ward in tears after airport assault — protests followed in support of attacker’s family pic.twitter.com/9N6YtYXrfP
— Catch Up (@CatchUpFeed) July 11, 2025
The bodycam footage that has since been released shows the aftermath: blood pouring from PC Ward’s nose, her crying in visible distress while being comforted by another officer. She was later diagnosed with a broken nose, underscoring the severity of the assault.
Testimony Paints Picture of Fear and Abandonment
At Liverpool Crown Court, PC Ward gave a moving and painful testimony. Visibly emotional, she recounted how she had never experienced such violence before in her career. Her voice cracked as she described the feelings of fear and helplessness. The chaos of the brawl, the injuries to her face, and the suddenness of the attack had left a lasting impact.
Perhaps one of the most disturbing elements of her account was the inaction of nearby bystanders. According to her testimony, not a single person stepped forward to help the officers during the violent altercation. Instead, many chose to take out their phones and record the scene. In that moment of crisis, PC Ward said her radio’s battery had been knocked out during the attack, further isolating her from calling for backup.
This disturbing trend of bystander apathy—watching but not intervening—is not new. It reflects a broader societal issue where filming an incident takes precedence over offering help. In a place like an international airport, where security is paramount, the fact that no civilian assistance was rendered speaks volumes about the current state of public engagement in emergencies.
PC Ward’s courage to share the vulnerability she felt is commendable. Her fear was palpable as she recalled being punched, falling to the floor, and momentarily blacking out. Her testimony painted a clear picture of not just physical trauma but deep emotional scarring.
Ongoing Trial and Denial of Charges
The trial, which is still ongoing, sees both accused men—Mohammed Fahir Amaaz and his brother Muhammad Amaad—pleading not guilty to all charges. Amaaz faces several charges, including assaulting PC Ward and PC Marsden and causing actual bodily harm. He is also charged with assaulting PC Cook and a civilian, Abdulkareem Ismaeil. His brother is accused of assaulting PC Marsden during the same incident.
The courtroom has been shown dramatic footage from the police bodycams, which are central to the prosecution’s case. These recordings offer an unfiltered glimpse into the violent nature of the confrontation. They show PC Ward’s injuries, the immediate aftermath, and the physical toll the incident had on her.
The defense is attempting to challenge the narrative, but the video evidence and consistent testimonies from officers make for a compelling case. The footage clearly captures the extent of PC Ward’s injuries and the trauma she experienced.
In recent years, there has been growing concern about assaults on emergency service workers. Police officers, paramedics, and firefighters often place themselves in harm’s way to protect the public, and yet incidents of violence against them have been steadily increasing. This case underscores the real dangers that officers face, even in environments that should be secure and orderly.
The outcome of this trial will be closely watched, not just by law enforcement agencies but also by members of the public who have become increasingly concerned about the safety of those tasked with protecting them.
The emotional and physical toll on PC Ward cannot be overstated. Her courage to appear in court, relive the trauma, and speak out about what she endured is vital. It sheds light on the harsh realities of policing in today’s society and the growing risks officers face on a daily basis.
Regardless of the verdict, one thing remains clear: PC Lydia Ward was performing her duty when she was brutally attacked. The video evidence has left little room for misinterpretation. It shows a dedicated officer trying to de-escalate a violent situation and ending up severely injured in the process.
In a society that claims to value law and order, such attacks should trigger serious reflection. The viral nature of the video may bring some awareness, but it’s the justice system’s responsibility to send a strong message that violence against police officers will not be tolerated.
For now, the courtroom remains the stage where justice will hopefully prevail, and where the voices of those who put their lives on the line daily—like PC Ward—are heard, respected, and vindicated.