Six police officers under investigation after teenager forced off e-bike
Six police officers are under investigation after a teenager was forced off an e-bike and left with a fractured knee.The 16-year-old boy, who is black, was stopped in Tottenham, north London, on 26 April last year due to concerns about his "manner of riding and general behaviour", according to watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Officers "used force" to remove him from the bike, and the boy was not provided with immediate first aid, despite injuring his knee, the IPOC said.He was searched, but nothing was found, so officers said he could go after taking the battery from his electric bike.However, the officers returned a short time later and arrested him on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence, threats to kill and dangerous driving.
The boy was turned away from police custody after a medical examination and sent to hospital, where it was found that he had a fractured knee.Three Metropolitan Police constables are under criminal investigation: one for potential offences of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm or actual bodily harm, and the other two for intentionally encouraging or assisting an offence.The three are also being investigated for potential gross misconduct, according to the IOPC.A further three police constables are being investigated for potential misconduct after allegedly failing to challenge the conduct of the other officers and how they treated the boy.
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Amanda Rowe, of the IOPC, said: "The use of stop and search is an important policing tool - however, it must be used proportionately."This is a serious case where a child has been injured as a result of force being used, and we are investigating the officers' actions in this case and their treatment of the child, who was not provided with immediate first aid."We have been in contact with the boy's family, and obtained further evidence to assist our investigation."
The IOPC has viewed officers' body-worn video as part of their investigation.
