West Midlands Police officer is under investigation after footage showed him punching man in face as he was pinned to ground in handcuffs during arrest
- The West Midlands Police officer was filmed punching the man during an arrest
- Victim was pinned to the ground in handcuffs when the officer struck his face
- Footage shows bystanders screaming in horror at the officer’s violent actions
- Force confirmed officer is under investigation after the Wolverhampton incident
A police officer is being investigated after using punching a man in the face as he lay on the ground in handcuffs.
Harrowing footage shows the male officer restraining a bearded man then striking him in the face.
In chaotic scenes filmed during an incident in Wolverhampton on Tuesday night, bystanders can be heard screaming in horror at the officer’s actions.
The violent arrest has prompted a complaint over the ‘excessive force’ used to subdue the man.
Police confirmed the video is being investigated by the force’s professional standard’s department.
A West Midlands Police officer (pictured left) is being investigated by the force’s professional standards department after he was caught on camera punching a man in the face as he lay on the floor in handcuffs (pictured right)
A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: ‘A member of the public who was present has made an allegation that excessive force was used by one officer during the arrest.
‘We’re aware of a video showing part of the incident has been shared on social media.
‘That video and complaint is being assessed by our professional standards department.’
During the 40-second clip posted online, one witness is heard pleading with the cop: ‘No, no don’t do that.’
A woman then tells the man, who has blood dripping from his nose: ‘Don’t resist arrest. Don’t resist. Just go.’
The injured man is seen rolling his head from side to side before shouting, ‘Get the f**k off me!’
The officer then appears to place his hand around the man’s throat.
He tells the witnesses: ‘His hand ain’t in the cuff. His hand ain’t in the cuff.
‘He’s swinging his arms around. He’s already assaulted one person.
Police recieved a complaint over the ‘excessive force’ used in the arrest, which took place in Wolverhampton on Tuesday night
‘I don’t want to be going home with a broken nose or a broken wrist.’
The footage attracted hundreds of comments after it was posted on Birmz is Grime Twitter page.
Social media user James Stead said: ‘Outrageous! Punching a clearly intoxicated man who is lying down and in handcuffs. Shame that cop!’
Another user, Grace Thomas said: ‘No wonder confidence in the police is at an all time low when they let thugs like this wear the uniform.’
Writing on Facebook, Greg Price wrote: ‘If the cop doesn’t get sacked then this country really has gone to the dogs. No self-defence, no self-control. Disgusting behaviour.’
The police force’s spokesperson said: ‘We were called to an address in East Croft Road, Wolverhampton, just after 7pm on February 16 to reports of a domestic incident where damage was being caused to property inside an address.
‘Soon after officers’ arrival, further disorder broke out and officers restrained a suspect.
‘A 36-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of assault, criminal damage, and resisting arrest.
‘He was later released on bail while investigations continue.’