Officer suspended after video of arrest shared on social media

Video footage showing part of the arrest in Spring Hall Lane on August 16 shows the man being restrained on the ground by officers.

West Yorkshire Police said an officer involved was removed from frontline operational duties and has since been suspended.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is now investigating the incident after receiving a voluntary referral from the force.

West Yorkshire Police T/Assistant Chief Constable Osman Khan said: “We are aware of a video circulating showing the arrest of a man at Spring Hall Gardens, Halifax on Sunday August 16 in relation to assault offences.

“We immediately reviewed the footage and looked into it as a matter of urgency to establish the full circumstances.

“We have reviewed the actions of the officers involved and a referral has been made to the force’s Professional Standards Directorate.

“Our investigation remains ongoing and we have made a voluntarily referral to the IOPC.”

Mr Khan said the officer involved was “removed from frontline operational duties” and has since been suspended from the force.

He added that the man arrested was released under investigation.

IOPC Regional Director Miranda Biddle said: “We can understand why the images circulated have caused considerable public concern and we would like to reassure members of the community that we have taken the decision to independently investigate this incident after West Yorkshire Police made a voluntary referral to us.

“An investigation has now commenced to ensure that we are able to fully understand what happened. It is vital that we are able to impartially determine the facts.”

Ms Biddle said they have already begun to gather evidence but would like to speak to anyone who was in Spring Hall Lane in Halifax at around 3pm on Sunday who may have witnessed the incident.