Police officers cleared for using baton during arrest

POLICE officers removed from usual duties after a video of an arrest went viral have been cleared of any wrongdoing.

An investigation by the police watchdog found that “necessary, proportionate and reasonable” force was used on a man who was struck several times with a baton in Aston, Birmingham, in July last year.

The video posted on Twitter a day after the incident by police-monitoring campaign group Netpol was viewed more than 200,000 times.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said the incident occurred at about 1.10pm on July 30, 2017 after cannabis was discovered and two occupants of a van were detained.

A bystander who had been watching the police incident appeared to be reluctant to move when asked to do so by officers and a verbal altercation ensued.

In a statement confirming that the man struck with a baton had failed to respond to its attempts to contact him, the IOPC said: “Independent footage obtained showed the man being kicked in the leg by one of the officers before being sprayed by incapacitant spray and struck several times with a baton.

“He was then taken to the floor and handcuffed by officers.

“It is alleged that the man made several offensive remarks to the officers prior to his arrest.

“We looked at West Midlands Police force guidance/policies, as well as the independent mobile phone footage obtained from the internet.

“Based on the evidence available, our opinion was that the force used by the officers was necessary, proportionate and reasonable throughout the situation.

“We found no indication that any person serving with the police may have behaved in a manner that would justify the bringing of disciplinary proceedings.”

A West Midlands Police spokesman said the officers have since resumed normal front-line duties.