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SINGAPORE: Four people were arrested after a fight at Clarke Quay, police said on Saturday (February 6), while addressing allegations that officers had used excessive force on one of the suspects.
Three men, two 18 and a 22 year old, were arrested for skirmish and public nuisance. A 16-year-old youth was also arrested for using abusive language against public servants.
In a press release, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) said it was alerted to the fight at 30 Merchant Road around 9.40pm on Friday.
The three men had allegedly fought with each other and one of the 18-year-olds is said to have head butted the 22-year-old, police added.
“Officers noticed the 18-year-old man’s facial injuries that were allegedly sustained as a result of the fight and he was bleeding from his forehead,” SPF said. “The 22-year-old man was noted to have broken a tooth.”
Both men received medical assistance from officers and paramedics at the scene.
The 18-year-old was later taken to hospital where a preliminary medical report confirmed he had a laceration to his forehead, police said, adding that no other serious injuries were reported.
The 16-year-old was arrested after he tried to prevent officers from arresting the 18-year-old and used vulgarities against them, SPF said.
Police investigations are ongoing.
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In images of the incident circulating online, the police are seen arresting several people, with a police baton used in the process. Thirty Merchant Road is the Riverside Point address.
“Police are aware of videos posted online that do not present the full account and sequence of events,” SPF said Saturday.
“There are reports that the officers had used excessive force on the 18-year-old, which caused him to bleed from the head. These accusations are false, “he added.
“The officers assessed the situation and applied the necessary force on the 18-year-old, including the use of a baton during the arrest, as he had waged a violent struggle to resist arrest.
“Contrary to the accusations, the officers did not hit the man’s face with the baton. The man was handcuffed after being subdued. “
Police warned members of the public not to speculate or spread unsubstantiated information.
The offense of scuffle carries a jail term of up to one year or a fine of up to S $ 5,000, or both, while the offense of public nuisance carries a jail term of up to three months or a fine of up to S $ 2,000, or both.
Those convicted of using abusive language against a public servant can be jailed for up to 12 months or fined up to S $ 5,000, or both.
