Two UoM security guards charged with racially aggravated assault after Fallowfield incident

They will appear in court next month

| UPDATED

Two security guards who worked for The University of Manchester have been charged following an incident at the university’s Fallowfield campus on 14th November 2020.

The police received the report of racially aggravated public order two days after the incident occurred.

At the time of the incident The University of Manchester said: “Over the weekend, there was an incident at Owens Park between a student and our security staff. The student subsequently made a complaint, relating to assault and racial profiling.

“An investigation was immediately launched, and the student has been contacted by Patrick Johnson, our Head of Equality and Diversity.

“Yesterday (Sunday, 15 November) footage from the incident appeared on social media and there have been reports about the incident in the media. The University has issued the following statement regarding the footage:

“We are deeply concerned by these images. We have spoken to the student concerned, launched a full investigation and have suspended the security officers (without prejudice) pending the results of this investigation.”

The two security guards are Mohammad Akram and Christopher Worden and have both been charged with racially/ religiously aggravated common assault by beating.

They will appear in court on Tuesday 18 May 2021 at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court.

The University of Manchester’s student news team said: “Greater Manchester Police have today released a statement with regards to the specific allegations around the events in Fallowfield of 14 November 2020. We will now review our own next steps in light of this statement.

“We recognise that this is a difficult time for all parties and we have offered them wellbeing support.

“Due to these proceedings we are unable to comment further.”

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