Investigation into police contact with a man - Metropolitan Police Service, August 2023

In August 2023, two Metropolitan police officers attended a possible domestic violence incident. Whilst there, a man was arrested for a former report of assault. Officers detained the man and radioed for assistance; two more Metropolitan police officers arrived. 

He made numerous threats to harm the officers in attendance and wrapped his legs around one of the officers present. This officer deployed multiple strikes to the man using first his fist and then his elbow, until his leg was released. 

During the investigation, investigators interviewed the police officer who used force, reviewed police body worn footage, police statements and sought additional statements from three officers who witnessed the use of force. 

We concluded there was no indication that a person serving with the police may have committed a criminal offence or behaved in a manner justifying the bringing of disciplinary proceedings. 

We carefully considered whether there were any learning opportunities arising from the investigation. We make learning recommendations to improve policing and public confidence in the police complaints system and prevent a recurrence of similar incidents. 

In this case, the investigation has not identified any learning.