Probe into police ‘baton attack’ on boy

SOUTH Yorkshire Police has said a “full and open” investigation will take place after a 16-year-old boy suffered head injuries after he was hit with an officer’s baton.

The young football fan was allegedly attacked by an officer following Sheffield Wednesday’s away match against Barnsley in the Championship on Saturday afternoon.

A video showing the officer appearing to hit the fan over the head with a baton was widely shared on social media over the weekend.

The South Yorkshire force has now confirmed that the 16-yearold boy sustained an injury from an officer’s baton and that a police officer was also injured in the incident.

Both were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Chief Superintendent and Match Commander Sarah Poolman, said: “On Saturday, February

8, following the Barnsley v Sheffield Wednesday match our officers responded to disorder outside the transport interchange.

“A full, open investigation, including extended video footage, will take place to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the actions which led to a 16-year-old boy sustaining a head injury from an officer’s baton, and an officer being assaulted, sustaining injuries to his stomach and head. The 16-year-old boy was taken to hospital by ambulance. The police officer also attended hospital. Both of their injuries are not lifethreatening

“A 47-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency services worker. He has been released under investigation.”

Witnesses are urged to contact the force with any information about the incident.