West Yorkshire Police officer facing criminal investigation over Halifax arrest
An officer from West Yorkshire Police is facing a criminal and gross misconduct investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) over his arrest of a man in Halifax on August 16.
Video footage showing part of the arrest in Spring Hall Lane was shared widely on social media and shows the man being restrained on the ground by officers.
Shouts of ‘chill out or I’ll choke you out’ could be heard as the man was being held down. The incident led to a protest outside Halifax police station.
The officer was placed on suspension shortly after the incident.
IOPC Regional Director Miranda Biddle said: “Having examined a range of evidence including body-worn video and initial accounts from the officers involved in the restraint, we have taken the decision that this is now a criminal investigation. A criminal investigation does not mean that criminal charges will necessarily follow.”
