The police watchdog is investigating after concern was raised by a video that appears to show a Metropolitan police officer beating a teenage suspect with a baton in the street.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed it is looking into the incident. The investigation is in the early stages it said, adding that it would provide further detail about its scope in due course.
A video posted online appears to show a black male in handcuffs on a pavement being struck several times by an officer using a baton. Police said they had stopped and searched two teenage boys on Easter Monday under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
The incident happened in Heath Park Road, Romford, east London and a 17-year-old boy was found in possession of class B drugs and arrested for possession with intent to supply and obstruction of a drugs search, Scotland Yard said.
The second boy, aged 14, made off to his home address but was later detained there, the force said.
The IOPC’s interim regional director for London, Sal Naseem, said: “We recognise that this incident has generated significant concern among the local community, as well as comment from police officers, concerning the officer’s decision to use his baton during the arrest.
“The video circulating on social media captures only part of the arrest, so it is right we independently investigate to establish what happened during the entirety of the incident.”
Police said that, during a struggle, an officer was assaulted. The boy was arrested for obstruction and assault on a police officer. Both teenagers were later released under investigation.
A Met spokeswoman said: “We are aware of footage circulating on social media and are listening to community concerns. A full review into the circumstances surrounding the incident is being carried out by the borough professional standards team in liaison with the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards.
“The [Met] expects the highest standards from all its officers and where there are concerns these standards have not been met, appropriate action will be taken. We await the results of the review to establish the full circumstances of this incident.”
On Friday the IOPC said it had received a referral from the Met. A petition calling for the suspension of a police officer said to have been involved in the incident has gained more than 30,000 signatures.
The page, started by the BAME Lawyers for Justice group, said: “This arrest has caused huge outrage and concern amongst Londoners and many more concerned citizens throughout the country are appalled at what they’ve seen.”
