Metropolitan Police
(Picture: PA Wire)An investigation has been launched after footage emerged appearing to show a Met policeman punching a protester in the head after he had been arrested.
The video appeared to show officers outside the Kingsland Shopping Centre on Saturday evening in Dalston, east London, striking a man who is on the ground.
The Metropolitan Police said it was targeting "moped-enabled crime" when officers were met by protesters who were alerted on social media to an "immigration raid".
Nine arrests were made, including for violent disorder.
As officers arrested the man, a crowd of people gathered in an attempt to stop them and a number of officers were assaulted during the incident, police said.
The force added “any footage showing use of force” was being “reviewed” by the Directorate of Professional Standards.
In a statement, the force said: “We are aware of a number of videos on social media filmed during the incident.
“We would urge people to remember that such videos rarely provide a full and accurate picture of what is taking place.
“Police officers are aware that any use of force must be proportionate and reasonable, and they understand that their actions will be scrutinised as they go about their work and that they will be held to account where appropriate.”
