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The IOPC has launched an investigation into the full circumstances surrounding the arrest of a man in Abbott Road, Poplar (East London) on Tuesday 9 July.

Videos of part of the arrest have been circulated on social media and in the national press, gathering a lot of attention and provoking debate over the actions of Metropolitan Police officers.

Following discussions with the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) yesterday, the force made a referral to the IOPC and we have launched an independent investigation.

The man who was arrested appears to have potentially lost consciousness during the arrest which would meet the threshold for the MPS to make a mandatory referral to the IOPC.

There is also significant public interest in this incident being investigated by an independent body.

We have begun gathering evidence and would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident, which took place at about 5.30pm on Abbott Road.

IOPC regional director Sal Naseem yesterday said:

“This event has already provoked a fierce debate on social media and in the national media based on what has been captured in various recordings leading up to and during the arrest.

“It is important that we gather all available evidence as part of an independent investigation to establish the facts. I would urge anybody who witnessed the incident to contact us.”

The Independent Office for Police Conduct oversee the police complaints system and investigate the most serious incidents and complaints involving the police. All our work is done independently of the police, government and interest groups.

While police forces deal with the majority of complaints against police officers and police staff. Police forces must refer the most serious cases to us – whether or not someone has made a complaint.

You can contact the IOPC by email at abbotsroad@policeconduct.gov.uk or by calling 0800 029 4688