Officers facing IOPC probe over ‘assault’

TWO West Midlands Police officers are being probed over their use of force towards a football fan.

The gross misconduct investigation centres around an incident after a Walsall FC match last season.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said it follows complaints by Edward Papas that he was assaulted by officers after Walsall’s 0-1 loss to Barrow, at the Bescot Stadium, on March 4, last year.

He claims the incident happened while walking back to his car under escort with away fans.

Mr Papas was arrested for assaulting police after an altercation following an exchange of words with a steward. However, he was cleared when the case went to court in January.

He subsequently made a complaint about the officers and the IOPC began an investigation following a referral from West Midlands Police in January.

It has now served notices advising the officers, who are both constables, that their conduct is being investigated at the level of gross misconduct. They will be interviewed in due course. The serving of notices does not mean that proceedings will necessarily follow, the IOPC added.

IOPC Regional Director Derrick Campbell said: “Footage from the incident has been circulated in the media and a thorough investigation is being carried out into the officers’ use of force, and also complaints that police withheld evidence from the criminal case against Mr Papas.

“We have spoken to him about our work and will continue to provide regular updates.

“At the end of our investigation we will decide whether the officers have a case to answer in respect of the conduct allegations.”