WIREDGOV

We are independently investigating an incident in Romford on Monday this week (22 April) in which an officer used his baton during the arrest a 17 year-old.

Part of the incident was filmed by a member of the public which was subsequently shared on social media. The Metropolitan Police Service referred the incident to us today (26 April) after a member of the public who witnessed the incident complained that the use of the baton was excessive.

The investigation is at very early stages and we will provide further detail about its scope and initial activity in due course.

Interim Regional Director for London Sal Naseem, recently said:

“We recognise that this incident has generated significant concern amongst the local community, as well as comment from police officers, regarding the officer’s decision to use his baton during the arrest. 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.”