Metropolitan Police officer suspended over 'disturbing' video of handcuffed man yelling 'get off my neck' in Islington

A Metropolitan Police officer has been suspended and another place on restricted duties after "disturbing" footage emerged of a man being restrained on the ground shouting "get off my neck" in north London.

Police were called to a fight in Isledon Road, Islington, north London, at around 6.30pm on Thursday.

They arrested a man at the scene on suspicion of affray and possession of an offensive weapon, Scotland Yard said.

Footage posted on social media showed two officers holding a handcuffed man, who is black, on the pavement.

The force had said a video showing part of the incident "looks very concerning" and it has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

At the start of the clip, one of the officers appears to be using his knee to control the suspect and has his hand on his head.

The struggling man on the ground can be heard shouting: “Get off me…get off my neck, I ain’t done anything wrong, get off my neck.”

One of the police officers is heard asking him: “Are you going to behave yourself?”

He then tells him to “stay down”, before standing up and asks onlookers who are filming the incident to "move back". Another clip shows more police officers arriving at the scene.

The Twitter user who shared the footage said: "Absolutely disgusting, my sister is in this video witnessing police brutality and them kneeling on this black man’s neck. He is clearly not a threat and is in cuffs."

On Friday Sir Steve House, Deputy Commissioner, 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.

"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.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said he was "deeply concerned about this distressing incident", adding he has raised the incident with senior Met Police officers "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 IOPC," he said.

"I look forward to a swift and thorough independent investigation, with all decisions made public. It’s crucial our police service continues to earn the trust of the communities it serves."

Scotland Yard said a man, who was arrested at the scene on suspicion of affray and possession of an offensive weapon, remains in custody at a central London police station.

Shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds tweeted: “This an extremely concerning incident.

"It is right that it is quickly referred to the IOPC and an officer has been suspended.

"I will be following this closely: we are policed by consent and that relies on the highest levels of respect and professionalism.”

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