Video Of Cop Striking Teen With Baton Referred To Police Watchdog

26 April 2019, 15:18 | Updated: 26 April 2019, 15:27

A video showing a police officer striking a handcuffed suspect with a baton has sparked concern online over police use of force.

Over 350,000 people have viewed the 45-second video, which appears to show a plainclothes officer striking a handcuffed black teenager several times with a baton.

In the video, the handcuffed teen can be heard screaming: "What the f*** are you doing to me? Why the f*** are you hitting me for?" As he gets on his knees he can be heard saying "I'm a child. I'm a f****** child."

The Independent Office for Police Conduct said they have received a referral from the Met Police concerning the incident and they "hope to make a decision regarding an independent investigation in shortly."

Previously on Twitter the police watchdog said: "The footage captures part of the incident but does raise questions about the officer’s use of force."

Local radio station Time 107.5 posted the video to their YouTube account.

Gidea Park arrest

A Met Police spokesperson said officers were on patrol in Heath Park Road, Romford around 15:00hrs on Monday, 22 April when they found reason to stop and search two teenagers under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

A 17-year-old male was searched and was found in possession of class B drugs and was subsequently arrested. He was later released under investigation.

Local residents took to social media to question the police use of force.