Police are continuing to investigate an outbreak of disorder in Rochdale after three men have been charged. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) says it is still investigating the disorder which took place outside Rochdale Police Station on Thursday, July 25. The disorder took place after an incident at Manchester Airport two days earlier.
Video from the airport which was widely circulated on social media showed a police officer kick and appear to stamp on the head of Fahir Amaaz, 19, as he and his brother Muhammad Amaad, 25, both from Rochdale, were restrained by officers. More footage emerged days later which showed the immediate lead-up to the incident on Tuesday, July 23, including when two female police officers were hit to the ground before Mr Amaaz was incapacitated with a Taser. The force have charged three men in connection with the disorder at Rochdale Police Station, including Oldham man, Nadeem Aslam of Hardy Street, Glodwick, who appeared at Manchester Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, August 13.
The 31-year-old is alleged to have been "making gun gestures" and encouraging people to join violent disorder by uploading videos onto TikTok of protests over the airport incident. Prosecutor Suzanne Ludlow told the court that Aslam, 31, was seen on CCTV “making gun gestures” and alleged that by uploading footage to TikTok, he had “encouraged other people to continue with the violence and disorder". Defending, Naila Akhtar said that Aslam attended the protest because he was “fascinated” by TikTok influencer Akhmed Yakoob and “wanted to see what was going on”.
Ms Akhtar added: “He wanted to see who this solicitor was, and what the big hype was. He wasn’t interested in being involved in any of the disorder. He just wanted to do a TikTok video.
” Ms Akhtar said Aslam “speaks with his hands” and had not made gun gestures. Aslam was remanded into custody and will appear at a plea and trial preparation hearing at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on September 2. A further two men from Rochdale, Waqas Mushtaq, 24, of Briar Street, and Safwan Khan, 25, of Coopers Walk, have also been charged in connection with the disorder.
Three adults and two juveniles have since been bailed in connection with the violent disorder and remain under investigation. Detective Inspector Sam Taylor from GMP Rochdale said: “I would like to reassure our local community that we are continuing to investigate this incident and identify all those responsible. “I’d also like to thank those who have been in touch since our appeal which has assisted us in our enquiries.
“Our work is very much ongoing, and we remain committed on bringing those involved to justice to ensure their actions have consequences.” Got a story? Email me Olivia.bridge@newsquest.
co.uk.
