Use of force during arrest - Metropolitan Police Service, February 2018

On 4 February 2018, a planned demonstration took place in Haringey, North London. During the demonstration, a demonstrator was restrained and arrested by police officers. Footage shared online appears to show one officer striking the demonstrator four times to the neck and/or head area while he was restrained on the ground.

During the investigation, investigators obtained and reviewed body-worn video footage, interviewed witnesses and the demonstrator, and obtained statements from officers policing the demonstration. We asked a specialist in the field of Conflict Management and Personal Safety Training from another police force to view the footage of the man’s restraint and arrest to provide their professional view.

Investigators also interviewed the officer who struck the demonstrator.

The officer said that he was concerned that the man may be concealing a weapon by burying his hands underneath his body. He explained that he used distraction strikes so the man would release his arm. He assessed that other use of force options, such as pressure points or incapacitant spray, were unsuitable in the circumstances. This was also the view of the specialist we consulted.

Having considered all the evidence, our opinion was that a tribunal could find that the officer had a reasonable response to the threat posed at that time.

We found no indication that any person serving with the police may have behaved in a manner that would justify the bringing of disciplinary proceedings.

After reviewing our report, the force agreed.