COUNTY NEWS: Investigation launched after police officer filmed hitting man

Police have launched an investigation after an officer was filmed hitting a member of the public from Eastbourne that he was trying to arrest in Newhaven.Police have launched an investigation after an officer was filmed hitting a member of the public from Eastbourne that he was trying to arrest in Newhaven.
Police have launched an investigation after an officer was filmed hitting a member of the public from Eastbourne that he was trying to arrest in Newhaven.
Police have launched an investigation after an officer was filmed hitting a member of the public during an arrest.

Sussex Police says the man had become violent and had grabbed the officer outside Poundstretcher in Newhaven town centre on Friday night (December 16).

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

There have been calls for the officer involved to be suspended while an investigation by the force’s professional standards department is carried out.

Police say they were called by a member of the public concerned about a man slumped on the ground at 6.30pm.

Police have launched an investigation after an officer was filmed hitting a member of the public from Eastbourne that he was trying to arrest in Newhaven.Police have launched an investigation after an officer was filmed hitting a member of the public from Eastbourne that he was trying to arrest in Newhaven.
Police have launched an investigation after an officer was filmed hitting a member of the public from Eastbourne that he was trying to arrest in Newhaven.

Two PCSOs attended the scene and were verbally abused, say police, and called for back up. “A police officer joined them and they tried to get the man to leave the area and even offered to get him a taxi,” said a spokesperson.

“He then became violent and grabbed the officer.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Chief Inspector Rosie Ross said: "We are aware of the video that has been posted of the man's arrest and while no formal complaint has been received, it has been referred to our professional standards department for review.

"In circumstances such as these, it is important that the risk of injury to the suspect, the public and the officers themselves is kept to the minimum and approved techniques may appear very robust.

"However, we will ensure that this incident is investigated to satisfy ourselves that the actions taken were appropriate."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A 40-year-old man from Eastbourne has been charged with being drunk and disorderly in a public place and assaulting a police officer,

Following the incident Kelly-Marie Blundell, who is the Liberal Democrat's prospective parliamentary candidate for Lewes called for a full investigation.

She said: “Footage taken with a mobile phone appears to show a man in distress being struck by an officer. This is very concerning.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“What we need is a full investigation into the events on the evening of December 16 in Newhaven, to get to the bottom of what actually happened.

“This brings into question the wider issue of continuing cuts to community policing, as well as changes to Police Community Support Officers, who no longer cover the same patch and therefore do not know their local communities.”

Don't miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Here are four ways you can be sure you'll be amongst the first to know what's going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

4) Register with us by clicking on 'sign in' (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don't miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.