Police officer removed from frontline duties after 14-year-old boy Tasered in Birmingham
A police officer has been removed from frontline duties after a 14-year-old boy was Tasered during an incident in Birmingham on Monday.
West Midlands Police were called to a neighbour dispute in Kempson Road, Hodge Hill, where the force says two police officers were faced with a hostile crowd.
The force claims that one of the officers tried to arrest a suspect after threats of criminal damage were made, but he resisted and the officer was further attacked by another man.
During the incident, a 14-year-old boy was Tasered, with footage taken by his family going viral on social media on Monday night, which shows the teenager being dragged out of the house before being Tasered.
The 14-year-old boy and a 37-year-old man were both arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer, and have now been released on police bail, while the police officer involved has been removed from frontline duties while the incident is investigated.
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said on Wednesday: "Following the arrest of a 37-year-old man and a teenage boy for assaulting a police officer in Kempson Road on Monday, both have been released on police bail with strict conditions while our enquiries continue.
"During the incident, the 14-year-old boy was Tasered. The officer concerned has been removed from frontline duties while the incident is investigated.
"We understand the depth of feeling from members of the public who have viewed footage of the encounter online, and we are reviewing this alongside body-worn footage of the incident in its entirety to determine any wrongdoing.
"The matter has also been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) to consider if they wish to conduct an independent investigation.
In a previous statement made on Tuesday, the force said: "We’re investigating after being called to a neighbour dispute in Kempson Road, Hodge Hill just before 5pm yesterday.
"Several residents were arguing, there were allegations of physical violence and the two officers were faced with a hostile crowd.
"As they attempted to diffuse the situation, threats of criminal damage were made. One of the officers tried to arrest the suspect, but he resisted and the officer was further attacked by another man. During the scuffle, a 14-year-old boy was Tasered.
"A 37-year-old man and a 14-year-old boy were arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer and remain in custody. The teen was also arrested for criminal damage and threats to cause criminal damage.
"Our Professional Standards Department is reviewing the officers’ body worn video and a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) will be made as is usual protocol in these circumstances."
