West Midlands Police officer who 'struck and kicked boy' suspended

A police officer has been suspended after allegedly using "unnecessary force" when detaining a teenage boy.

Footage shared widely on social media shows a West Midlands Police officer appearing to "strike and kick" the 15-year-old, the police watchdog said.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the "altercation" in an alleyway in Newtown, Birmingham, on 21 April.

The force said the officer, who has not been identified, has been suspended.

In a statement, the force said the boy "had been seen acting suspiciously" and was told he would be searched under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

The watchdog said it understood the boy's mother had made a formal complaint about the officer's actions.

'Significant public concern'

The IOPC said: "Footage of the incident has been shared on social media that shows a police officer involved in an altercation with the boy, who he is seen to strike and kick."

The officer allegedly used excessive force against another member of the public in a separate incident, the watchdog said.

Regional director Derrick Campbell said: "We are aware that the footage circulated on social and other media has caused significant public concern.

"We will be carefully examining the circumstances of the incident and the officer's use of force."

The Independent Office for Police Conduct has confirmed it is investigating

West Midlands Police said: "We have suspended one of our officers following two complaints received about his conduct.

"A complaint was received after the officer stopped a teenager on 21 April in Melbourne Avenue, Newtown.

"In the ensuing incident it is alleged that the officer used unnecessary force in striking and kicking the young person."

The force said the second complaint relates to an incident on 20 April in Frederick Road, Aston, where two officers stopped a man they suspected was on a stolen bicycle.

"The man was detained and it's alleged the officer assaulted the man before he was released with no further action," the force said.