West Midlands Police restraint video referred to watchdog
- Published
West Midlands Police said the video was shocking but had been edited
A police force has referred itself to the police watchdog after footage emerged which appears to show a man being assaulted by officers.
West Midlands Police acknowledged the video was shocking but described the film as "edited".
The footage shows officers restraining a man in Sandwell on 25 February and using incapacitant spray.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed it was investigating the incident.
West Midlands Police said officers were called to the scene by a doctor conducting a mental health assessment who was assaulted by a 38-year-old man with a metal crutch.
'Really shocking'
It claims the man had injured three officers by attacking them with walking sticks and that the footage shared online "does not show events which led up to his restraint".
The 38-year-old was arrested on suspicion of assault and did not receive any injuries, police said.
The man is currently being treated in a mental health facility.
Ch Supt Chris Todd said officers "do not underestimate the impact this video has on the public's confidence in policing".
"On first view, the video is really shocking and we need to understand the full context of what the officers were facing," he said.
IOPC regional director Derrick Campbell said the footage is "disturbing" and he is "conscious of the widespread concern" it has caused.
Body-worn video footage from officers will be reviewed during the investigation, he said, which will examine if force used by officers was justified and proportionate.
As well as the IOPC referral, West Midlands Police said it was consulting with key community members after acknowledging the video had generated concern.
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