The police watchdog has launched an investigation after an officer appeared to repeatedly punch a man in the head.
The incident happened on Wednesday during the arrest of a 34-year-old man from the Pensyflog area of Porthmadog, north Wales, after officers were called to an address in relation to a domestic incident, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said on Thursday.
Concerned bystanders filmed the interaction and videos show the man being pinned face-down on the ground by a male and female police officer before the male officer puts his arm around the man’s neck in a headlock and appears to punch him nine times in the side of the head.
Just beforehand, a man is heard shouting: “Stop resisting”. In separate footage, blood is seen on the suspect’s face as he is placed in a police van.
The clip has been shared on social media and has caused considerable public concern, the IOPC said.
After being tagged in the video post, Gareth Davies, Conservative Senedd member for the Vale of Clwyd, tweeted to North Wales Police Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman and Home Secretary Suella Braverman: “This is police brutality. What are you doing? Surely we’re better than this?”
Other Welsh politicians raised their concern in a letter to the chief constable of North Wales Police.
MP Liz Saville Roberts, Senedd member Mabon ap Gwynfor and local councillor Nia Jeffreys wrote: “Can you tell us whether or not restraint methods used have the approval of North Wales Police and what steps you will take to reassure the public that they can trust the police given that a number of people have taken to social media to say they were horrified by the contents of the video?”
The IOPC said the man was taken to hospital before he was taken into custody.
IOPC director David Ford said: “Footage on social media, capturing part of the interaction between police officers and the arrested man has, understandably, attracted significant interest and public concern.
“It is important that we thoroughly and independently investigate the whole incident, in order to establish whether the level of force used during the arrest was reasonable and proportionate in the circumstances.”
Andy Dunbobbin, North Wales police and crime commissioner, said: “The video that is circulating of the arrest of a male in Porthmadog is concerning.
“I have discussed this incident with the chief constable this morning and she has confirmed the matter is rightly being investigated by North Wales Police, who will be issuing further updates in due course.
“As police and crime commissioner, I take such incidents seriously and will work with the police and other bodies to understand the circumstances behind the footage and act accordingly when the facts are established.”
A spokesperson for North Wales Police said the force was aware of the footage and was investigating the matter.
“We are grateful for the contact from members of the public highlighting this incident, but at this time would appreciate further contact being restricted to any potential witnesses to the actual incident, rather than those who have viewed the matter third hand by video or other means.
“As this matter is subject of ongoing investigation the force will not be commenting further regarding this matter at this time.”
