A public complaint was made by a witness who raised concerns about the level of force used by an officer
The police watchdog is investigating after a Met Police officer allegedly struck a man over the head with a pair of handcuffs while carrying out an arrest in North West London. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is appealing for witnesses over the incident, which took place in College Road, Kensal Green.
At around 2.20pm on Monday, September 29, a Met Police officer tried to speak with a man about his vehicle’s registration plate. When the man walked away, the officer decided to arrest him. An altercation took place, during which the man ended up on the ground and was allegedly struck on the head with handcuffs by the officer.
The man was later taken to hospital for treatment and subsequently discharged into police custody. The IOPC investigation began on October 16, following a mandatory conduct referral from the Met. The force sent a further referral after receiving a public complaint from a witness who raised concerns about the level of force used by an officer.
IOPC director Amanda Rowe said: “We are aware that this incident took place in front of several members of the public, many of whom recorded it on their mobile phones, with footage of part of the incident appearing on social media.
“It’s important that we carry out an independent investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding this incident and urge anyone who may have witnessed or filmed the incident or the moments leading up to it to come forward and report what they saw.”
The IOPC has served a Met Police officer with a notice informing him that he is under criminal investigation for the potential offence of grievous bodily harm. He is also under investigation for potential gross misconduct.
The watchdog added: “This does not necessarily mean that criminal or disciplinary proceedings will follow. At the end of our investigation, we will decide whether to refer the matter to the Crown Prosecution Service and also decide whether the officer will face any disciplinary proceedings.”
Witnesses are asked to contact IOPC investigators by calling 03003035620 or email [email protected].
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