A police officer is being investigated after a video emerged appearing to show him beating a teenage suspect with a baton.
Footage posted online appears to show a black teenager in handcuffs being struck several times by the plainclothes officer, while bystanders are heard screaming.
The incident, which happened while the officer was making an arrest in east London on Easter Monday, has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
A member of the public who saw the alleged assault complained to the Metropolitan Police that the use of the weapon was excessive.
IOPC interim regional director for London Sal Naseem said: "We recognise that this incident has generated significant concern amongst the local community, as well as comment from police officers, concerning the officer's decision to use his baton during the arrest.
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"The video circulating on social media only captures part of the arrest, so it is right we independently investigate to establish what happened during the entirety of the incident."
Scotland Yard said it had stopped and searched two teenage boys in Heath Park Road, Romford.
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A 17-year-old was arrested on drugs charges, while a 14-year-old boy, believed to be his brother, fled home and was later detained there.
The force said an officer was assaulted during a struggle and the boy was arrested for obstruction and assault on a police officer.
Both teenagers have been released under investigation.
The boys' mother released a statement through the BAME Lawyers for Justice Group saying she was "appalled" by the "violent arrest" and her family had been left "traumatised" by it.
A change.org petition calling for the officer to be suspended has gained more thaRead More – Source
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