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Images on social media appear to show an officer with a knee to the head of a man during an arrest
An officer was suspended after images appeared that appear to show police kneeling on a man’s neck.
The video recorded in Islington, London shows two officers holding a handcuffed suspect, who is black, on the sidewalk.
A second officer was removed from operational service after the arrest Thursday night.
Deputy Commissioner of Meteorological Police Sir Steve House said the video was “extremely disturbing” and had been forwarded to the police guard.
‘Get off my neck’
The force confirmed that he had arrested a man on suspicion of a fray and possession of an offensive weapon.
In the video, shared with the BBC, one of the officers appears to be using his knee to control the suspect and has his hand on his head.
The man on the ground, handcuffed, repeatedly yells, “Get off my neck.”
He is finally released from the ground and continues talking to the officers after they feel it.
Several police cars arrive at the scene after the arresting officers confront onlookers.
‘It is not taught in training’
An eyewitness told the BBC: “I was concerned that he would be executed. This is how George Floyd was killed.
“If not for the crowds that filmed the police, they could have suffocated him or broken his neck.”
“I was on the ground and handcuffed, what’s the reason to kneel on your neck?”
Sir Steve said: “The video I saw today and circulating on social media is extremely disturbing.
“Some of the techniques used cause me great concern: they are not taught in police training.
“One officer has been suspended and another officer has been removed from operational service, but not suspended at this time. This decision will be kept under review.”
The man has been seen by a doctor since then, said Scotland Yard, which forwarded the arrest to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC).
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In the video, multiple police cars attend the arrest after officers confront spectators.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “I am deeply concerned about this distressing incident and have urgently raised it with senior Met Police officers.
“I appreciate the fact that the Met has quickly reviewed the incident and it is correct that it was referred to the IOPC.”
