Yorkshire police officer 'used excessive force' on visit to Mosque

A Yorkshire police officer is accused of using excessive force on a member of the public during a visit to a Mosque in Rotherham.
By Lucy Leeson
Published 5th Jan 2021, 12:04 BST
Updated 5th Jan 2021, 12:06 BST

PC Mohammed Aref attended at Jamia Masjid Mosque in Tooker Road, Rotherham while on duty in his role as a Specialist Community Engagement Officer.

While there, it is alleged that he applied force to a member of the public, which was not necessary or reasonable in the circumstances.

The alleged offence took place on September 6, 2019.

A Yorkshire police officer is accused of using excessive force on a member of the public during a visit to a Mosque in Rotherham.A Yorkshire police officer is accused of using excessive force on a member of the public during a visit to a Mosque in Rotherham.
A Yorkshire police officer is accused of using excessive force on a member of the public during a visit to a Mosque in Rotherham.
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A misconduct hearing will now take place over four days starting on January 11.

A South Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "PC 2496 Aref will attend a Misconduct Hearing to answer allegations relating to the following events.

"On Friday, September 6,2019, PC Aref attended at Jamia Masjid Mosque, Tooker Road, Rotherham while on police duty in his role as a Specialist Community Engagement Officer.

"It is alleged that the Officer’s conduct breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour in that he applied force to a member of the public, which was not necessary, proportionate and reasonable in the circumstances.

"The conduct of these matters breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour, in particular the paragraphs relating to ‘Use of Force and Discreditable Conduct’."