Six police officers are under investigation after a black child was left with a fractured knee after being forced off his e-bike in a stop-and search in north London.
The 16-year-old was stopped in Tottenham, north London on April 26 last year after a Metropolitan Police officer forced him off the bike as he rode along Northumberland Park Avenue.
The officer had stated they were concerned at the boy’s manner of riding and general behaviour.
He was searched but nothing was found, so officers took the battery from his bike and said he could go.
But they returned a short time later and arrested him on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence, threats to kill and dangerous driving.
The boy was turned away from police custody to go to hospital, where it was found that he had a fractured knee.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched an investigation in November, looking at the level of force used, whether race or the child's age was a factor in their treatment of him, and the aftercare provided to him.
Three police constables are under criminal investigation, one for potential offences of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm or actual bodily harm, and the other two for intentionally encouraging or assisting an offence. The three are also being investigated for potential gross misconduct.
Another three constables are being investigated for potential misconduct for allegedly failing to challenge how the other officers treated the boy.
Amanda Rowe from hte IOPC said: "The use of stop and search is an important policing tool - however, it must be used proportionately.
"This is a serious case where a child has been injured as a result of force being used and we are investigating the officers' actions in this case and their treatment of the child, who was not provided with immediate first aid.
"We have been in contact with the boy's family and obtained further evidence to assist our investigation. We will continue to keep all parties updated as the investigation progresses."
The IOPC said as part of its investigation, officers’ body-worn video has been reviewed, accounts obtained from some of the officers involved, a statement taken from from the boy and medical evidence reviewed . The officers will be interviewed under caution, and further witness statements are being obtained..
At the end of our investigation, the IOPC will decide whether any officers should be referred to the Crown Prosecution Service for a potential charging decision and whether any officers should face disciplinary proceedings.
