Northamptonshire Police is investigating CCTV footage after a student, known as Samuel, claimed he was assaulted by an officer. The student was arrested in relation to drug supply offences but was released without charge. The incident was caught on camera by a friend and showed Samuel being hit several times while on the ground. He has made a formal complaint and believes the officer should be disciplined.
Samuel was walking down Northampton’s Barrack Road on 8 August when he stopped to give change to a homeless person he had met before. He said a man in a black hoodie walked towards him and he began to run, but stopped and apologized when he realized it was a police officer. He was hit multiple times and was thrown towards a wooden gate before falling to the ground, where he was beaten up.
The police force said they were aware of the CCTV footage and were speaking to Samuel to address the issue. It added that the incident was being reviewed, including assessments of body-worn cameras. The stop was made after a person was seen exchanging a package, which was suspected to be related to potential drug supply offences. The spokesman added, “Following a negative search, the man was released with no further action.”
Samuel has hired a solicitor, Miriam Altaf, to help him bring the issue to justice. They have filed a complaint against Northamptonshire Police and contacted the Independent Office for Police Conduct. Samuel, who is of an ethnic minority, said he was complying with the officer and didn’t commit any crimes. He hopes to see the officer face disciplinary action
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
