An armed police officer has told a jury he was “terrified” during an alleged assault at Manchester Airport and feared his firearm could be taken from him.
PC Zachary Marsden gave evidence at Liverpool Crown Court as the trial of Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 21, and Muhammad Amaad, 26, both from Rochdale, continued. The brothers deny assaulting the officer during an incident at Terminal Two on July 23, 2024.
Jurors heard PC Marsden describe how he and colleagues responded to reports of an earlier assault at a Starbucks in the airport, where a man was allegedly headbutted.
He told the court he had “reasonable grounds” to suspect an offence of actual bodily harm and decided it was necessary to make an arrest to prevent further harm and ensure a prompt investigation.
The officer said he located a suspect matching the description inside a crowded pay station area, with “in excess of 15 to 20” people present. He told jurors the crowded environment posed risks, including the possibility of escape, harm to the public, and officers being “outnumbered and cornered”.
PC Marsden said he chose to take hold of the suspect using a “two point escort position” and planned to move him outside before formally arresting him. He accepted officers had not identified themselves at that stage, explaining it gave a “tactical advantage”.
He told the court the situation escalated quickly after the suspect resisted, and he was then grabbed from behind by another individual.
“I felt the immense pressure of someone pushing up against me forcing me forwards,” he said.
PC Marsden told jurors he became aware of pressure near his firearm and equipment, which heightened his concern.
“I need to make sure whoever is pushing against me is not trying to grab my firearms and take it from me,” he said.
The officer described being forced backwards onto seating and repeatedly struck.
“They were the hardest I have ever been punched in my entire life,” he said, adding he was hit between 15 and 20 times.
He said his glasses and radio were knocked off during the incident, leaving him unable to see clearly.
“I was terrified. I couldn’t stop it, I couldn’t stop my colleagues coming to harm. I didn’t know what was going to happen to me,” he told the jury.
PC Marsden said he feared losing consciousness and believed he was under attack by more than one person. He also described feeling someone attempt to grab his equipment, including his Taser.
He told the court he considered various options, including using PAVA spray, a baton, or his firearm, but decided against them at the time.
“I joined this job to protect lives, not take it away,” he said. “I will exhaust every other option before I go to a lethal weapon.”
The officer said he eventually deployed his Taser, but claimed one of the defendants attempted to disarm him during the struggle.
He further alleged he was struck in the temple with significant force, possibly by a weapon, before falling to the ground where he felt pressure around his neck and believed he was being choked.
The court has previously heard that during the incident PC Marsden kicked Mr Amaaz to the face and brought his foot down in a “stamping motion”.
Mr Amaaz and Mr Amaad deny a single charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm against PC Marsden.