The police watchdog is investigating the force used by Met Police officers during the arrest of a Black man in Shoreditch.
A 26-year-old was arrested by officers after being ejected from The Book Club bar, in Leonard Street, Shoreditch about 3am on February 19.
According to an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) spokesman he was stopped and restrained by two officers in neighbouring Phipp St “and had force used on him”. He was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker.
The nature of any injuries in the arrest were not released.
An IOPC spokesman said: “Our investigation began in March following a mandatory referral from the MPS.
“So far we have gathered street CCTV and body-worn video from both the police officers and council enforcement officers.
“But we would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the arrest in Phipp Street, EC2 at around 3am, or may have mobile phone footage.”
IOPC Director Amanda Rowe added: “We are independently examining whether the use of force was appropriate and proportionate in line with approved police policies.
“This incident took place in public and was witnessed by several members of the public. We would ask anybody who was in the area and saw the police activity to get in touch with us.”
A Met spokeswoman said offiers were called to reports of a fight breaking out in Phipp Street.
She said: “Officers attended and stopped a man who had been involved in an altercation at a nearby premises.
“Force was used to restrain him.
“The man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker; this investigation remains ongoing.
“The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards referred the incident to the IOPC who are carrying out an independent investigation.”
