Second West Midlands Police officer suspended over claims of excessive use of force

A second officer with West Midlands Police has been suspended in less than three weeks following allegations of excessive use of force.

On Thursday, a man in his 30s sustained a fractured ankle during his arrest in Digbeth, Birmingham following reports of a theft at a shop in Allison Street shortly before 1.30pm.

Having reviewed the use of force, West Midland Police (WMP) suspended the officer and referred the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which has confirmed it is awaiting the referral.

The police watchdog will then make an assessment on whether an independent investigation is required.

In separate incidents, another WMP officer was suspended earlier this month after allegedly assaulting two people, including a 15-year-old boy. The officer is now also being investigated over a third complaint.

In the incident involving the 15-year-old in Newtown, Birmingham on 21 April, WMP said the teenager was seen acting suspiciously and was told he would be searched under the Misuse of Drugs Act, before he “refused to co-operate”, and allegedly “elbowed the officer in the face”.

The officer is accused of using unnecessary force in hitting and kicking the boy.

The same officer is also being investigated after an incident which took place the day before.

West Midlands Police says two officers stopped a man in Aston, Birmingham, who they suspected was on a stolen bike.

A spokesperson said: “The man was detained and it is alleged the officer assaulted the man before he was released with no further action.”

In a third complaint, it has emerged the officer was recorded on a mobile phone using a Taser on a man in the Handsworth area, following a pursuit on 27 February.

The force added that the man was arrested and released with a conditional caution, which could be reviewed after the officer is investigated.

(c) Sky News 2020: Second West Midlands Police officer suspended over claims of excessive use of force