West Yorkshire Police officer to be investigated over incident at Leeds United football ground

A West Yorkshire Police officer has been advised that he is subject to a criminal investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) following the arrest of a 17-year-old made outside Leeds United football ground on 17 July.

The officer will be interviewed by our investigators on suspicion of common assault and also investigated for gross misconduct.

Video footage showing part of the arrest in Elland Road was shared widely on social media and shows the 17-year-old boy being restrained on the ground by officers. In the footage an officer uses their knee, at one point, to restrain the teenager.

We decided to independently investigate the incident after we received a voluntary referral from the force.

We would also like to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident which took place at around 5pm as fans gathered to celebrate Leeds United’s promotion to the Premier League.

Witnesses can email [email protected] or ring 0300 303 5725.

IOPC Regional Director Miranda Biddle said:

“We understand why the images that were circulated caused considerable public concern. After the footage was shared on social media, a voluntary referral was made to us in relation to the conduct of the officer.

“Having examined a range of evidence including body worn video and initial accounts from the officers involved in the restraint, we have taken the decision that this is now a criminal investigation. A criminal investigation does not mean that criminal charges will necessarily follow

“It is vitally important that the circumstances of this incident are subject to an independent investigation so we can fully understand what happened and impartially determine the facts.

“We have already begun to gather evidence but would like to speak to anyone else who was at Leeds United’s ground at the same time for these celebrations and may have witnessed the incident.”