Police Officer Suspended For 'Kneeling on Man's Neck' During Arrest
A police officer in the U.K. has been suspended after a video emerged showing him kneeling on a man's neck during an arrest.
Video footage emerged showing an officer with his knee on the suspect's neck, with the black man handcuffed on the ground and repeatedly shouting "get off my neck."
The incident took place in Islington, north London.
Met Police confirmed that a second officer has been removed from operational duty following the incident on July 17.
It comes following the death of George Floyd in America at the hands of a white police officer, who knelt on his neck as he begged for his life, leading to global anti-racism protests.
Sir Steve House, deputy commissioner at the Metropolitan Police said he found the video footage extremely disturbing.
He said: "The video footage that I have seen today and is circulating on social media is extremely disturbing. I understand that many viewing the footage will share my concern.
"The man involved was arrested, taken to a police station and has now been seen by a police doctor.
"Some of the techniques used cause me great concern – they are not taught in police training.
"We have quickly assessed the incident, including the body worn video footage from the officers and their statements and justification for their use of force. As a result we have referred the matter to the IOPC [Independent Office for Police Conduct].
"One officer has been suspended and another officer has been removed from operational duty, but not suspended at this time. This decision will be kept under review.
"We will co-operate fully with the IOPC investigation."
Met Police said that the forced used by officers had to be proportionate and necessary.
In a statement, the police force said: "Our officers understand that their actions will be scrutinized as they go about their work and that the public have the right to hold them to account where appropriate."
The Met also said that it had charged a 45-year-old man with possession of a knife in a public place following the incident.
Marcus Coutain appeared in custody at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court on Saturday.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan welcomed the speed with which the incident had been reviewed.
He said: "I'm deeply concerned about this distressing incident and we have raised this with senior officers at the Met Police as a matter of urgency.
"I welcome the fact the incident has been reviewed quickly by the Met and it's right that they have referred it to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. I look forward to a swift and thorough independent investigation."
