Probe of West Midland police launched after footage of ‘excessive’ force goes viral (VIDEO)
An independent probe of three UK police officers is underway after footage emerged of them using “excessive force” on a British Asian man in Birmingham. The incident has caused outrage across social media.
Following an initial investigation by West Midlands Police, the case has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC). Three officers involved in the incident have been removed from normal duties, according to a police statement.
Footage of plain-clothed police officers kicking and striking a man with a baton in Aston, Birmingham, during an arrest Sunday, was shared online by police monitoring campaign group Netpol.
During a vehicle search in Aston, Birmingham, plainclothes officers seem like they're itching to start a fight with Asian locals pic.twitter.com/TidAfnFllS
— Netpol (@policemonitor) July 30, 2017
The clip shows a group of men having their van searched for drugs before a row breaks out.
One man is grabbed by police officers, kicked and hit with a baton before being knocked to the ground.
The incident happened outside the Mosque and Muslim Community Centre Aston, according to Express and Star.
Another video of the incident was posted by Abdul Hamid Faruki. It comes to an abrupt end as police confront the person filming it.
@WMPolice is this appropriate policing? The force used seems excessive. 30/7/2017. #Birmingham#Aston#PoliceBrutality#Police@IPCCNewspic.twitter.com/grUKizkEzz
— Abdul Hamid Faruki (@TjpAbdul) July 30, 2017
The footage has sparked online condemnation.
This not the way to conduct stopnsearch or treat the public.Excessive disproportionate unjustified use force against the BME community https://t.co/CabBO9SV4s
— DESMOND JADDOO (@DESJADDOO) July 31, 2017
Another example of systematic abuse of ethnic groups. Those who don't suffer it will try to tell you the police were just doing their jobs
— Khuram Ahmed (@KhuramAhmedLive) July 30, 2017
West Midlands Police initially confirmed an internal investigation into the matter.
— West Midlands Police (@WMPolice) July 31, 2017
In a later statement, police confirmed that the case would be referred to the IPCC.
The three officers involved in the incident – all of constable rank – will not be suspended but redeployed to do other work. They will not be engaged in duties outside a police station.
A 28-year-old male was cautioned for possessing cannabis while a 20-year-old man arrested for a public order offence during Sunday’s incident was released while inquiries continued, Birmingham Mail reported.
