Romford baton arrest: Met officer denies assaulting teen
- Published
Footage of the arrest was widely circulated on social media
A police detective filmed hitting a teenager with his police baton has denied assaulting the boy.
Det Con Kevin Rowley, of Southend, Essex, is accused of attacking the boy while carrying out an arrest in Romford, East London, on 22 April.
He was charged with common assault by beating following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), the Met Police said.
Det Con Rowley appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court to deny the charge.
He was released on bail ahead of a trial at Hendon Magistrates' Court on 23 January.
The force said it made a referral to the police watchdog following an arrest of a 17-year-old on suspicion of possession of class B drugs in Heath Park Road.
Footage of the arrest was widely circulated on social media.
Det Con Rowley, based at East Area Command Unit, is currently on restricted duties, the Met added.