WIREDGOV

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the stop and search of a 20 year-old man by police officers in Bristol.

We are appealing for anyone who witnessed or may have filmed the incident in Belmont Street, Easton on 16 February to come forward to IOPC investigators.

Since the incident the man, who is Black, has made a number of complaints about how he was treated by the police officers after he was approached by them on the street. Among the complaints, he has alleged excessive force was used and he was treated in a discriminatory manner on the grounds of his race.

Following a complaint referral from Avon and Somerset Police, we have begun an independent investigation into the complaints. We are reviewing some relevant body-worn video footage and considering initial accounts from the officers involved.

IOPC regional director Catrin Evans yesterday said:

“We believe a number of people were in the immediate vicinity when the incident happened and it may have been filmed on mobile phones. We would be grateful if anyone who witnessed the events contacts us as it may be significant in helping us to clearly establish what happened. We will be examining whether any force used was reasonable and proportionate, and whether discrimination played any part in the incident. We are independent, and make our decisions entirely independently of the police.”

Any witnesses to the incident which took place at around 5.40 pm on Tuesday 16 February in Belmont Street are asked to contact the IOPC on 0300 303 5726 or email: Belmontstreet@policeconduct.gov.uk