COP COULD FACE CHARGES OVER RAMMING MOPED

A POLICEMAN who knocked a teenager off a moped while using a new ramming tactic could face criminal charges.

The officer carried out the so-called tactical contact to stop a 17-year-old from riding dangerously.

The boy, who was not wearing a helmet, was taken to hospital with serious head injuries but later discharged.

A file of evidence gathered by the police watchdog is to be passed to prosecutors and Scotland Yard.

If he is prosecuted, the officer could be charged with actual bodily harm or grievous bodily harm.

The Met could also decide if there is a case to answer for misconduct, which could result in dismissal.

An investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct was launched after the crash in Erith, south-east London, at 2.15am on November 7 last year.

The boy later pleaded guilty to five offences at youth court, including theft, dangerous driving, and driving without a licence.

An spokesman said: “No police tactic can be used with impunity in a country where we police by consent – be that tactical contact, the use of firearms or the use of restraint.

“It is a matter of whether it’s reasonable and proportionate in the circumstances.”

Senior officers defended the use of tactical contact, saying it was needed to stop dangerous chases and has helped reduce moped crime in London by around a third.