GMP response to decision to not proceed with a second re-trial for the Manchester Airport incident

Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson QPM, said:

"Following a protracted trial, the jury have been unable to deliver a verdict.  Whilst disappointed that the prosecution case was not fully endorsed, we respect the findings of the court and accept the outcome of the jury’s thoughtful deliberations.

"This incident began after a man was headbutted in a public place in front of his family. Our officers were responding quickly to precisely the sort of outrageous criminal behaviour that rightly offends the public. In undertaking their duties, officers were met with resistance and violence; followed by online vilification, condemnation and adverse commentary from those who did not have the full facts.

"It is vital that officers get the respect and support they deserve for routinely putting themselves in harm’s way to protect the public. Assaults on police officers are sadly all too common - 35 of my officers are assaulted every week across GM – and such incidents can never be justified.

"I am particularly grateful to those many members of the public who have contacted the force in order to pass on their best wishes to the officers affected.

"Whilst the criminal trial is now concluded, we are cognisant of the ongoing IOPC investigation into the conduct of our officers.  We will continue to cooperate fully with this investigation, and we look forward to its conclusion in due course."