Lancashire police force has referred itself to the complaints watchdog after a leaked cctv video was posted online, showing officers using disproportionate force being used on a man during his arrest.
The video clip shows officers from Lancashire Police approaching the man who immediately puts his hands in the air and lies on the floor after an officer asks him to do so.
The man being arrested has been identified as 34-year-old Adeel Ashraf.
As he lies face down on the pavement and officers attempt to arrest him, one of the officers is showing repeatedly kicking Ashraf, while another punches him.
Ashraf is surrounded by up to five officers, with a police dog also being held a just a few feet away.
The arrested man has been charged with aggravated vehicle taking and dangerous driving. He has also been recalled to prison.
Lancashire Police confirmed that the incident took place at 11am on 8th January on Lonsdale Street in Accrington.
A police spokesperson said: “The circumstances are that at around 11am on January 8th police received a report of a burglary at an address in Blackburn during which a Nissan Juke car was stolen.
“The car was later spotted by police in the Church area and pursued by officers to the Lonsdale Street area of Accrington where a stinger was deployed to bring the vehicle to a stop.
“A man got out of the car and was then detained by officers and his arrest is what is seen in the footage which has been widely shared.
“We appreciate the concern that perceptions of the officer actions in this video have caused and we would like to reassure people that the incident is being fully reviewed by our Professional Standards Department.
“In the interests of openness and transparency we are also voluntarily referring the incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.”
