Police defend officer who slapped girl, 14

Police have defended an officer filmed allegedly slapping a teenage girl as she appeared to resist arrest.

A passer-by in Accrington, Lancs, filmed the incident on Monday and posted it on Facebook. Shocked viewers condemned the police action.

But Lancashire police said that while the restraint technique “may look shocking”, officers were trained to use it. Andy Rhodes, the chief constable, said: “Perhaps those filming the incident may have better used their time helping the officers to calm the situation.” The girl, 14, was referred to the Youth Offending Team.