Cop in moped probe
A POLICE officer is under criminal investigation for deliberately knocking a teenager off his moped.
The officer, who has not been named, is being probed after carrying out a so-called “tactical contact” to stop the 17-year-old riding dangerously.
The incident, in Erith, south-east London, in November last year, left the teenager seriously injured.
The police watchdog confirmed it is also investigating a second tactical contact case involving another Metropolitan Police officer, which targeted a moped rider in Ealing in March.
It comes amid growing controversy over the use of the tactic, which officers have adopted following a wave of crimes committed by moped-riding crooks.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct said it is due to submit a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service and to Scotland Yard imminently.
The officer could face charges including actual bodily harm and GBH, and a misconduct allegation, which could result in dismissal.
The teenage moped rider was not wearing a helmet, and was taken to hospital with serious head injuries.
He recovered and later pleaded guilty to five offences including theft, dangerous driving, and driving without a licence.
The IOPC said that “no police tactic can ever be used with impunity in a country where we police by consent”.
It added: “It is always a matter of whether it’s reasonable and proportionate in the circumstances.”
Senior officers have defended the use of tactical contact, saying it is needed to stop dangerous chases and has reduced moped crime in London by more than a third. It has also been backed by PM Theresa May. But shadow home secretary Diane Abbott said it was “potentially very dangerous”.
The Star Says: Page 6