A video clip has emerged showing a young black man being repeatedly punched by a police officer, whilst his friend is seen begging them to stop,
The 21-year-old black male was attacked by the officer and pinned to the ground, following reports of a stolen bike in the local area.
The incident took place on a green area nearby to Beacon Lane, Lewisham on Friday, July 15 at approximately 11.15am, as police were called to a report of a stolen bike.
A witness captured the footage and claims an ambulance was then called after the man passed out, MyLondon reports.
Rachelle Henry, from Lewisham, filmed the incident from her house and suggested that the police's approach was racially motivated.
Describing the late morning incident, Rachelle told MyLondon: "I believe it was racially motivated. The white boy did not even get cuffed whilst they were beating the black boy."
The Met told MyLondon that as the man was resisting arrest, the officers are legally allowed to restrain him and it was not unreasonable force.
"The police acted wrong and unreasonably," she added. "This was not reasonable force. This was a police officer taking advantage of his power and beating this young boy of 21 years. He has been traumatised by this."
Police have said that the two men were potential suspects of bike theft and the black male was taken to the ground even after he told officers that the bike he had with him was his own, Rachelle claims.
An ambulance was called for the man but due to a long expected wait time for the ambulance, it was later cancelled as the man recovered.
Police looked at Rachelle's video and analysed policy body worn footage, and no further action is expected to be taken against the officers.
Rachelle, who filmed the incident, says she went down from her property to try and reason with officers.
Continuing, she said: "I have about 45 minutes of footage. Start to the end and these officers' behaviour was disgusting throughout! The boy actually passed out as a result of being punched SIX times by this officer.
"The officer even had his leg on his head/neck. The boy had done not a thing wrong. This is not going unnoticed."
One man, Peter Donovan, said: "So glad you were calm enough and brave enough to do what you did. Really hope the young men are ok….obviously the black one because of the violence against him, but the white one looked in shock. A lot of people respect you for what you have done."
The Metropolitan Police were approached by MyLondon about the claims of racism and heavy handedness by the officers. They say they have reviewed the evidence and no further action will be taken against them.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: "We are aware of video posted on social media showing part of an incident in which two men were stopped and searched by police officers in Beacon Lane, Lewisham on Friday, July 15.
"Officers were initially responding to information from the public about a bike being stolen and the two men were potential suspects.
"One of the men appeared unwell and an ambulance was called by officers as a precaution. Due to the expected wait time the ambulance was later cancelled. The man appeared well when officers left the scene. Neither of the men who were stopped were arrested.
"The video has been reviewed by the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards, along with footage from the officers’ body worn video cameras. They did not identify any misconduct. One complaint was received from a member of the public in relation to the incident."
The IOPC are unable to say whether they are investigating the incident at this point in time.
