Independent Police Complaints Commission
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IPCC investigating actions of MPS officers during Tower Hamlets incident
The IPCC is investigating the actions of four Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) officers during an incident in Tower Hamlets, which resulted in the arrest of a man.
The MPS received a complaint after the man was arrested on 8 October outside the Arbour Youth Centre in Stepney. Video footage of the incident has been shared on social media and in news reports and shows a young man being restrained by a number of police officers. The man was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence, before being bailed by police.
The MPS made a referral to the IPCC, and the decision has been made to carry out an independent investigation.
IPCC Associate Commissioner Tom Milsom said:
“Footage of this incident has been shared widely on social media, which has understandably caused some concern within the community and debate in the wider public.
“We will carry out a full and thorough investigation into the circumstances of what happened and the actions of police officers who were there.
“It is clearly early days for the investigation, but we will be looking to talk to the complainant, police officers and witnesses as soon as we can.”
The investigation will look at the full circumstances of the incident and subsequent arrest, including whether the arrest and the type of restraint used was necessary and proportionate.
Anybody who saw the incident or who has any footage of it is asked to contact the IPCC on 0800 151 0019 or email towerhamlets@ipcc.gsi.gov.uk
