Pillowcase used by police in Wolverhampton arrest, claim
An investigation has been launched after police allegedly put a pillowcase over a man's head and assaulted him during an arrest.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission is looking into the allegation concerning the arrest of a 45-year-old man.
Two police officers initially attended an address in Wolverhampton on February 7 to arrest the man on suspicion of assault, and were joined by four more officers.
During the arrest the man was restrained and was allegedly spitting at police officers.
A pillowcase was said to have been placed over his head before he was transported to custody in a police van.
It was removed when he arrived at Bilston Street police station.
After around five hours in police custody the man was transferred to hospital when he complained of breathing difficulties and chest pains.
He remained in hospital for seven days having been treated for a punctured lung and fractured rib.
The IPCC's investigation is examining whether any force used by police officers was reasonable and proportionate, how the man's injuries were caused, how officers responded to the man's request about securing his property and whether officers "acted in accordance with policies and procedures including the use of a pillowcase".
