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NHS consultant challenges police removal from dying daughter’s bedside in court

Saturday, 24 May 2025 1:42AM UTC

Dr Rashid Abbasi, an NHS consultant, was forcibly removed from his terminally ill daughter’s hospital bedside, sparking a legal dispute over police use of force and patient-family rights amid a heartbreaking medical crisis.

A father’s heart-wrenching struggle over the care of his dying child culminated in a shocking legal battle that has captured public attention. Dr. Rashid Abbasi, an NHS consultant, found himself at the centre of controversy when he was forcibly removed from the bedside of his six-year-old daughter, Zainab, following a series of distressing events that unfolded in a hospital in North East England in August 2019.

The incident occurred shortly after Dr. Abbasi was informed that his daughter's life support would be withdrawn. Body camera footage obtained from the police depicts him being dragged away from Zainab’s bedside, visibly distressed, as an officer held him by the neck while fellow staff struggled with his wife, Aliya. Eyewitness accounts describe how she was forcibly pulled from her daughter's side, collapsing on the hospital floor in despair.

Dr. Abbasi had previously raised concerns regarding the treatment provided to his daughter, who suffered from Niemann-Pick disease, a progressive and life-limiting condition. Throughout Zainab’s illness, the Abbasis had clashed with medical personnel over her care, insisting on treatments that they believed could prolong her life. They had successfully advocated for continued aggressive treatment on prior occasions, which further intensified their resolve during this dark chapter.

After Zainab was admitted to the hospital in July 2019, it became increasingly apparent to the Abbasis that a vital decision lay ahead. When doctors informed them in mid-August that their daughter was gravely ill and suggested transitioning to palliative care, the parents vehemently disagreed, demanding further tests and treatments. Dr. Abbasi’s frustration boiled over when he felt that the medical team was dismissing their pleas. Following an altercation with doctors regarding his daughter’s care, police were summoned under claims that Dr. Abbasi posed a potential risk of disrupting the peace.

In court, Dr. Abbasi launched a civil claim against Northumbria Police for wrongful arrest, assault, and battery. However, the judge, Recorder James Murphy, ruled against him, stating that police had sufficient grounds to believe there was an imminent risk of a breach of peace in the emotionally charged environment of the hospital ward. He described Dr. Abbasi as a “menace,” indicating that he displayed behaviour that could warrant police intervention.

In light of this ruling, Dr. Abbasi expressed his disappointment, asserting that the court’s characterisation of him was both "unwarranted" and "hurtful." He stated that police officers had acknowledged in court that he had not acted aggressively upon their arrival, claiming they had mischaracterised his actions. Dr. Abbasi's legal counsel echoed these sentiments, arguing that the force used against him was excessive and unjustified, especially given the vulnerable context of the situation.

The gravity of Zainab’s condition was underscored by the fact that her suffering stemmed from Niemann-Pick disease, a rare genetic disorder that primarily affects children. Tragically, Zainab passed away just weeks after this incident, highlighting the ultra-sensitive nature of discussions surrounding her treatment and care. Dr. Abbasi and his family were left to navigate not only their grief but also the ramifications of a true medical and familial crisis laid bare by the intensity of their circumstances.

Throughout the proceedings and the subsequent media coverage, the debate surrounding patient rights, medical decisions, and the role of law enforcement in healthcare settings has reignited discussion about the broader implications of such interactions. As families grapple with heartbreaking decisions regarding terminal illness, it remains vital for discourse to balance compassion with the necessary protocols intended to maintain safety and order within medical environments.

Dr. Abbasi has indicated that he will consult with his legal team regarding a potential appeal against the ruling, indicating that the journey for justice and closure is far from over for him and his family.

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Source: Noah Wire Services

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https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14743793/father-dragged-away-dying-daughter-legal-claim.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 - Please view link - unable to able to access data
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-tyne-53641034 - In August 2019, Dr. Rashid Abbasi, an NHS consultant, was forcibly removed from his six-year-old daughter Zainab's hospital bedside in the North East of England. The incident occurred after disagreements between the Abbasis and hospital staff over Zainab's care, leading to police involvement. Dr. Abbasi was arrested for alleged assault and breach of the peace but was later released without charge. Zainab, who suffered from Niemann-Pick Disease, passed away four weeks later. The hospital emphasized the necessity of maintaining a safe environment for patients and staff.
https://meaww.com/body-camera-footage-police-grieving-father-dragged-away-dying-daughter-hospital-north-england - Shocking body camera footage from August 2019 shows Dr. Rashid Abbasi being forcibly removed from his critically ill daughter Zainab's hospital bedside in the North of England. The incident occurred after a dispute between the Abbasis and medical staff over Zainab's care. Dr. Abbasi, a 59-year-old NHS consultant, was arrested for alleged assault and breach of the peace but was later released without charge. Zainab, who suffered from Niemann-Pick Disease, passed away four weeks later. The hospital emphasized the necessity of maintaining a safe environment for patients and staff.
https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2020/08/02/2319395/muslim-father-violently-dragged-from-dying-daughter-s-bedside-by-uk-police-video - In August 2019, Dr. Rashid Abbasi, a 59-year-old NHS consultant, was forcibly removed from his critically ill daughter Zainab's hospital bedside in the North of England. The incident occurred after a dispute between the Abbasis and medical staff over Zainab's care. Dr. Abbasi was arrested for alleged assault and breach of the peace but was later released without charge. Zainab, who suffered from Niemann-Pick Disease, passed away four weeks later. The hospital emphasized the necessity of maintaining a safe environment for patients and staff.
https://www.inkl.com/news/doctor-dragged-away-from-daughter-s-death-bed-by-police-in-harrowing-footage - In August 2019, Dr. Rashid Abbasi, an NHS consultant, was forcibly removed from his six-year-old daughter Zainab's hospital bedside in the North East of England. The incident occurred after disagreements between the Abbasis and hospital staff over Zainab's care, leading to police involvement. Dr. Abbasi was arrested for alleged assault and breach of the peace but was later released without charge. Zainab, who suffered from Niemann-Pick Disease, passed away four weeks later. The hospital emphasized the necessity of maintaining a safe environment for patients and staff.
https://5pillarsuk.com/2020/08/02/shocking-footage-shows-police-dragging-couple-from-dying-daughters-bedside/ - In August 2019, Dr. Rashid Abbasi, a 59-year-old NHS consultant, was forcibly removed from his critically ill daughter Zainab's hospital bedside in the North of England. The incident occurred after a dispute between the Abbasis and medical staff over Zainab's care. Dr. Abbasi was arrested for alleged assault and breach of the peace but was later released without charge. Zainab, who suffered from Niemann-Pick Disease, passed away four weeks later. The hospital emphasized the necessity of maintaining a safe environment for patients and staff.
https://www.stationgossip.com/2020/08/shocking-footage-shows-police-violently.html - In August 2019, Dr. Rashid Abbasi, a 59-year-old NHS consultant, was forcibly removed from his critically ill daughter Zainab's hospital bedside in the North of England. The incident occurred after a dispute between the Abbasis and medical staff over Zainab's care. Dr. Abbasi was arrested for alleged assault and breach of the peace but was later released without charge. Zainab, who suffered from Niemann-Pick Disease, passed away four weeks later. The hospital emphasized the necessity of maintaining a safe environment for patients and staff.

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 3

Notes: ⚠️ The narrative closely mirrors events from August 2019, with the earliest known publication date being August 4, 2020. ([aljazeera.com](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/8/4/uk-police-drag-rashid-abbasi-from-dying-daughters-bedside?utm_source=openai)) The report appears to be a republished version of earlier content, with no significant new information or updates. The inclusion of updated data does not substantially enhance the freshness score.

Quotes check

Score: 2

Notes: ⚠️ The direct quotes in the report are identical to those found in earlier publications from August 2020. This suggests the content may have been reused without significant modification. Variations in wording are minimal, indicating a lack of originality.

Source reliability

Score: 4

Notes: ⚠️ The narrative originates from the Daily Mail, a publication known for sensationalist reporting. This raises concerns about the reliability and objectivity of the information presented. The report's reliance on a single source further diminishes its credibility.

Plausability check

Score: 5

Notes: ⚠️ The events described in the report align with known facts from August 2019, including the arrest of Dr. Rashid Abbasi and the subsequent legal proceedings. However, the lack of new information or updates in the report raises questions about its relevance and newsworthiness.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): FAIL

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH

Summary: ⚠️ The report largely recycles content from previous publications without offering new insights or updates. Its reliance on a sensationalist source and the reuse of direct quotes without significant modification further undermine its credibility. The lack of freshness and originality, coupled with concerns about source reliability, lead to a 'FAIL' assessment with high confidence.

NHS
legal battle
patient rights
police intervention
terminal illness
Niemann-Pick disease