Police watchdog IOPC appeals for witnesses to controversial Halifax arrest as it investigates video

A video of a man being pinned to the ground in an arrest in West Yorkshire is being investigated by the police watchdog, it has been confirmed.
A video of a man being pinned to the ground in an arrest in West Yorkshire is being investigated by the police watchdogA video of a man being pinned to the ground in an arrest in West Yorkshire is being investigated by the police watchdog
A video of a man being pinned to the ground in an arrest in West Yorkshire is being investigated by the police watchdog

The clip which was captured on a street in Halifax on Sunday appears to show two officers grappling with a detainee and pinning him to the ground while shouting at him.

One of the officers has since been suspended from West Yorkshire Police, with the force referring the incident on to the Independent Office for Police Conduct for investigation.

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The IOPC says it is now looking to speak to anyone who witnessed the arrest being carried out at around 3pm on Spring Hall Lane on Sunday.

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.

“We have already begun to gather evidence but we would like to speak to anyone who was in Spring Hill Lane in Halifax at around 3pm on Sunday who may have witnessed this incident.”