Officer suspended from driving over football on screen in car

South Wales Police suspended one of its officers from driving pending an investigation

A video apparently showing a police car being driven to an emergency while officers watch football on a smartphone is being investigated.

South Wales Police said a officer had been suspended from driving while its professional standards department looks into the incident in August 2022.

The footage, reportedly taken by a passenger, was shared with WalesOnline and is said to show the police car driving with sirens on and lights flashing in or near Pontypridd.

The website reported that the match was Arsenal v Crystal Palace, the first of the Premier League season

Ch Insp Eddie May of South Wales Police said the force was made aware of the video on 6 October.

“Road safety is of paramount importance and we expect the highest standards of behaviour and professionalism to be maintained by our officers at all times," he said.

“The driver has been formally suspended from driving by the force’s driver training unit pending the outcome of the professional standards department investigation.”