Alleged excessive use of force - Metropolitan Police Service, August 2018

On 9 August 2018 three Metropolitan Police Service officers were deployed in an unmarked police car as part of a pre-planned operation to tackle violent crime in north-east London. A black car was seen driving over the speed limit and failed to stop for the officers. A pursuit of this car was then authorised.

During the pursuit the car drove into a street that led to a dead end. When approaching the dead end, the driver stopped his car and the officers immediately stopped theirs next to his. The driver got out of the Hyundai and began running away from the officers.

One of the officers got out of the police car and ran after the driver. After approximately two seconds the officer deployed his Taser and the driver fell to the floor. The second officer followed and restrained the driver on the floor. The driver was arrested, handcuffed and conveyed to hospital for treatment. He sustained a broken tooth and swelling to his forehead.

The Metropolitan Police Service referred this incident to us as a death or serious injury matter.

During the investigation, our investigators obtained statements from the attending officers, the driver of the pursued car and a witness to the incident. Investigators also watched and analysed body-worn video of the incident.

After reviewing the evidence available, we were of the opinion that there was no indication that any police officer had behaved in a manner which would justify the bringing of disciplinary proceedings or committed a criminal offence. We completed our investigation in March 2019.

After reviewing our report, the Metropolitan Police Service agreed with our views.