There was a “clear risk” their weapons could be taken from them, the police spokesman said, adding all three had been taken to hospital, one with a broken nose.
Four men were later arrested on suspicion of assault and affray, and all have since been bailed.
It remains unclear what led to the incident, but Mr Burnham said he thought there had been “an issue on a flight coming into Manchester”.
“When the flight landed, two individuals were waiting for their mum, who said there had been an issue,” he said.
“She pointed somebody out and there was an altercation in the arrivals hall.”
He said those involved had been “followed by camera through the airport and then we get to the scene that people have seen in the car park area”.
Mr…
