'TikTok lawyer' in Manchester Airport police incident steps aside

 

'TikTok lawyer' in Manchester Airport police incident steps aside

Akhmed Yakoob has been supporting the family involved

 

08:15, 29 Jul 2024Updated 08:18, 29 Jul 2024

https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/tiktok-lawyer-manchester-airport-police-29631598

 

NEW MANCHESTER AIRPORT VIDEO SHOWS CHAOTIC SCENE BEFORE MAN 'KICKED' IN HEAD BY POLICE OFFICER

A solicitor representing a family caught up in the Manchester Airport police incident has revealed he's 'stepping aside' in a fresh social media video. Akhmed Yakoob, who was assisting those involved and has been vocal in the media following the emergence of video footage showing a man being kicked in the head during an arrest at the airport last Tuesday, July 23, made the announcement.

 

On Saturday, July 27, new footage was released which is believed to show events leading up to the controversial incident that has led to public outcry and demonstrations. The earlier circulated footage seemed to show an officer kicking and stamping on a man's head while he was down.

 

Mr Yakoob, a Birmingham-based solicitor with a substantial TikTok following of nearly 210,000, claimed to be acting for the family and has frequently communicated with the press on their behalf. He has now stated he is "stepping aside" and has "recommended a lawyer" to the family, reports the MEN.

 

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He said: "The media have tried to sabotage me, it's not the first time they've done this. They've made this whole situation about me and not police misconduct." He added: "So, after consulting with the family, I have decided for now to step aside and I have recommended the family to a lawyer. But, I will be keeping a close eye on this. I'd like to say that I am not for violence, whether it's from police officers or whether it's from civilians. Always remember that."

 

New footage emerged showing the chaotic scenes prior to an arrest involving two men and several police officers in a Terminal 2 car park on Tuesday, July 23. The video shows an officer attempting to restrain one man before punches are thrown by both parties.

 

Solicitor Akhmed Yakoob speaks to the media outside Rochdale Police station in Greater Manchester, following the suspension of a police officer after a video which appeared to show a man being kicked as he lay on the floor sparked a protest. (Image: James Speakman/PA Wire)

 

One of the men, dressed in light blue, who was initially detained, appears to break free and throw several punches at the female officers. The clip then appears to show both women receiving blows to the head and face, with one being punched to the ground.

 

An officer is then seen pointing a taser at the man before appearing to kick and stamp on his head as he lies on the ground. A GMP constable is now under criminal investigation for assault over the incident, according to a statement from the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) on Friday.

 

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham urged people not to "rush to judgement" after the new footage emerged. He previously stated that he had seen the "full footage" leading up to the incident. He described it as not a "clearcut situation", explaining that a "serious incident" had occurred before the situation escalated "very quickly".