Metropolitan Police stock.
(Picture: PA Archive)The police watchdog is investigating after an Instagram video showed a man being kicked by an officer during his arrest in Chelsea.
The Met Police said it had made a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) over the use of force on the man after he allegedly “significantly resisted” arrest.
The man was detained following a foot chase in Grosvenor Road, Chelsea, on Thursday afternoon.
Police said the arrest came after a vehicle drove off from police at speed, “driving on the wrong side of the road, mounting and driving along a pavement and then colliding with a van.”
The man was “forcefully handcuffed,” said the Met and arrested on suspicion of a number of offences including possession of a knife and possession of class B and class A drugs with intent to supply.
Footage of the incident was posted online but since appears to have been removed.
In a statement, the Met said: “One of the officers can be seen to kick the man, and consequently a referral has been made to the IOPC.”
#STATEMENT| We are aware of a video on social media showing a man being detained in Grosvenor Road, Chelsea, shortly after 13:30hrs on Thursday, 17 November.
— Kensington & Chelsea Police (@MPSKenChel) November 21, 2022
For updated details of the incident please read the attached statement pic.twitter.com/BgLJ10kf06
In an later statement, it added: “The officer is not currently on duty and restrictions are being considered. All of our officers are aware that any force they use must be proportionate and that they will be held accountable for their actions.”
A spokesperson for the police watchdog confirmed it was aware of the incident.
“On 19 November we received a referral from the Metropolitan Police Service relating to the force that was used during the arrest of a man on 17 November on Grosvenor Road, SW1,” said a spokesman.
“We are currently assessing the referral to determine whether any action is required from us.”
The man has since been bailed pending further enquiries.
