Reform UK presses ahead with bid for private prosecution over airport fracas

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Prosecutors say they are still “considering material” over a disturbance at Manchester Airport as Reform UK confirmed it is pressing ahead with plans to bring a private prosecution against two men accused of attacking police officers. “And we promised a few weeks ago that if the Crown Prosecution Service did not lay some charges against these men who, remember, even broke the nose of a woman police officer, that we would take out a private prosecution.” Any adult in the UK can apply to bring a private prosecution but they must be able to pay for legal representation, and in some rare cases may end up having to cover the defendant’s legal costs too. “We are working with Greater Manchester Police and the Independent Office for Police Conduct while their inquiries continue.” A GMP spokesperson said a “comprehensive file of evidence” had been sent to the CPS in mid-August, and the force was waiting for a charging decision. “Two Greater Manchester Police officers remain under criminal investigation for assault as part of this investigation and interviews under criminal caution have now taken place.