Police Officer Brother Suspended Amidst Racism Allegations Following Airport Brawl
A significant development has emerged concerning the family of two brothers involved in a highly publicised altercation with officers at Manchester Airport. The policeman brother of Mohammed Fahir Amaaz and Muhammad Amaad, who were arrested in July 2024, has been suspended from duty following an investigation into alleged racism. This revelation comes to light amidst ongoing scrutiny of the family’s extensive connections to the Greater Manchester Police (GMP) force.
The incident at the airport, which led to the violent arrest of the Amaaz and Amaad brothers, has been a focal point of public attention. Supporters of the brothers have consistently highlighted the family’s deep ties to GMP, with six relatives currently serving within the force. Furthermore, their uncle, Nazir Hussain, is a former officer who served with distinction for over three decades, underscoring the family’s long-standing presence in law enforcement.
During the trials of Mohammed Fahir Amaaz and Muhammad Amaad, a glowing character reference for the siblings was presented to the jury by their elder brother, Mohammed Abid, who is also a serving police officer. However, it has now come to light that Mr Abid himself was facing disciplinary proceedings at the time, stemming from an allegation of racism.
Unravelling the Allegations
Mr Abid was among a group of eight officers suspended in the same month that the airport incident occurred. These suspensions were reportedly initiated following complaints that a colleague’s accent was allegedly being “mocked.” While none of the suspended officers have been publicly identified, the solicitor representing the brothers at their trial, Aamer Anwar, suggested that the revelation of his client’s brother’s suspension was a deliberate and “desperate” attempt to “smear” his clients.
“Sadly it comes as no surprise that Greater Manchester Police should now turn its attention to my clients’ brother,” Mr Anwar stated.
The specific allegations against Mr Abid involve claims that an officer within the Bury district was subjected to racist remarks by a colleague in December 2023. It is understood that Mr Abid vehemently denies using any racist language.
Broader Investigation into Misconduct
The disciplinary proceedings involving Mr Abid are part of a larger investigation by the GMP into allegations of gross misconduct. In May 2025, the force announced that eight officers, along with a ninth officer placed on restricted duties, had been found to have a case to answer. Disciplinary hearings for these officers are scheduled to take place at a date yet to be determined.
Character Reference and its Context
During the trial of his younger brothers, PC Abid’s character reference painted a picture of Mohammed Amaaz as a person of “respectful, gentle and soft-spoken nature” and highlighted his “dedication to academic roles.” He also stated, “He’s always looked up to me as a role model.” The timing and context of this character reference are now being viewed in light of the subsequent allegations against PC Abid.
Independent Office for Police Conduct Involvement
Adding another layer to the unfolding situation, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has been independently investigating a separate, unrelated incident of alleged racism involving seven officers within the Bury district. This inquiry is understood to have been triggered by comments that were inadvertently captured on a suspect’s mobile phone. As a consequence of this separate probe, one officer, PC Scott Dixon, has reportedly been dismissed from the force, allegedly for using the derogatory term “golliwog” towards a fellow officer.
GMP’s Stance and Future Actions
Detective Chief Superintendent Mike Allen, who heads the professional standards department at Greater Manchester Police, has described both sets of allegations as “deeply concerning.” He emphasised the force’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of professional behaviour.
“Ensuring we uphold the highest standards of professional behaviour across GMP is essential, and it is only right that when matters such as these are reported to us, we take all necessary action,” Mr Allen stated. “We now await the outcomes of these ongoing proceedings.”
GMP has declined to comment specifically on Mr Anwar’s claims of a deliberate leak, but it is understood that the force strongly denies any such activity.
In a separate development on Friday, prosecutors announced that they would not be pursuing a third trial for brothers Amaaz and Amaad, who were accused of assaulting PC Zachary Marsden at Manchester Airport in July 2024.
