Police watchdog to probe force used in viral video

Three West Midlands Police officers have been taken off their usual duties after the video emerged earlier this week.

In the footage, an altercation breaks out between a man and plain-clothed policemen who had stopped a group of men on the street in Aston. A baton is used during the confrontation.

A 28-year-old man was cautioned for possessing cannabis and a 20-year-old man detained for a public order offence but later released under investigation while enquiries progress.

West Midlands Police referred itself to the Independent Police Complaints Commission over the use of force against one of the arrested men.

The IPCC has now decided that an independent investigation is required.

Three local neighbourhood officers - all of constable rank − have been redeployed to other work while the investigation continues, and will not carry out duties outside a police station.

IPCC Commissioner Derrick Campbell said: “We are conscious of the concern this video footage has caused and the impact on public confidence in policing such an incident can have.

"We have now started an independent investigation which will look thoroughly at the use of force by officers.”