Bristol police officers are being investigated after claims their search of a black man was racially motivated with excessive force.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is appealing for witnesses to the incident in Belmont Street, Easton, at around 5.40pm on February 16.
The 20-year-old complained that the police used excessive force and he was treated in a discriminatory manner on the grounds of his race.
One of the Avon and Somerset officers under investigation has been placed on restricted duties.
Investigators are viewing the officers’ body-worn video footage and considering their initial accounts.
IOPC regional director Catrin Evans said: “We believe a number of people were in the immediate vicinity when the incident happened and it may have been filmed on mobile phones.
"We would be grateful if anyone who witnessed the events contacts us as it may be significant in helping us to clearly establish what happened.
“We will be examining whether any force used was reasonable and proportionate, and whether discrimination played any part in the incident. We are independent, and make our decisions entirely independently of the police.”
Police officers can stop and search an individual if they have "reasonable grounds" to suspect they are carrying illegal drugs, a weapon, stolen property, or something that could be used to commit a crime.
An Avon and Somerset police spokeswoman said its professional standards department has received a complaint relating to "the alleged excessive use of force by officers during a stop and search".
She added: "The matter has been referred to the IOPC and we are co-operating with their independent investigation into the incident. It wouldn't be appropriate for us to comment further while these enquiries are ongoing."
Bristol mayor Marvin Rees recently raised concerns about disproportionate use of the powers, telling a webinar that men from ethnic minorities are 9.7 times more likely to be stopped and searched than their white counterparts.
Chief constable Andy Marsh said the disparity was uncomfortable and pledged to do more to tackle inequality.
Witnesses to the Belmont Street incident are asked to contact the IOPC on 0300 303 5726 or belmontstreet@policeconduct.gov.uk.
