A video appearing to show officers repeatedly punching a 16-year-old boy after throwing him to the ground has caused outrage on social media. The Metropolitan Police have been accused of using excessive force against the boy during the incident which took place in Abbey Wood on Friday (June 10).
Sharing the video on Twitter, cultural commentator Carina White said: “Hey Met Police, just wondering if this is reasonable and appropriate use of force to detain a 16 year old child? Kicking and punching??? This is a friend of a friend’s son and took place yesterday in Abbey Wood.”
The Met said they are aware of the footage but said it shows just one part of the incident. “This will be assessed, along with the officers’ body worn video footage, by officers from the Directorate of Professional Standards. All Met officers know that any use of force must be necessary and proportionate, and that they will be required to account for their actions.”
Officers were called to the scene after allegations that a child was robbed by a group of males who threatened him with a bottle. Enquiries led them to an address in the area where police said they found property reported as stolen during the robbery.
A Met spokesperson said: “A 16-year-old male [A] sought to make off from the address but was detained and arrested by officers on suspicion of robbery and possession of an offensive weapon. He has been bailed pending further enquiries.
“Another male entered the premises and during the course of the incident he assaulted police officers. This 16-year-old [B] was arrested on suspicion of common assault of an emergency worker. He has been released under investigation.”
Two officers sustained minor injuries but neither required hospital treatment, the Met said. After Ms White shared the footage online she said the incident took place when the 16-year-old boy, a GCSE student, had gone to see if his friend was ok.
