Officer’s ‘use of force’ investigated

THE police watchdog has confirmed it is investigating the “use of force” by a Gwent Police officer filmed aiming “a number of baton strikes” at a man who was later arrested.

Video footage released last week showed an officer appearing to repeatedly strike a man with a baton before pushing him against a wooden pallet and restraining him.

The incident took place on July 9 and was subsequently referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) by Gwent Police.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed is investigating the “altercation”, which it says saw a police constable “apparently deploying incapacitant spray and a number of baton strikes before other officers arrived”.

In a statement, the IOPC said: “The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the use of force by a Gwent Police officer during the arrest of a man in Newport. The incident occurred on Friday, July 9, after two officers had approached a 41-year-old man in connection with alleged driving offences. It is alleged the man initially made off before an officer encountered him in a garden at Livale Court, Bettws.

“An altercation ensued with the police constable apparently deploying incapacitant spray and a number of baton strikes before other officers arrived.”

The independent investigation follows a referral from Gwent Police. The police force said last week the officer involved in the incident is no longer working in an “operational role”.