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LEGAL action is to be launched over a video appearing to show a police officer punching a man in the face during an arrest in Tyrone.
The video of the arrest in Moy was filmed on Saturday, November 20 and has been circulated on social media.
In it, a male police officer is shown on top of the man and restraining him by the neck. In the following altercation, the officer appears to strike the man’s face with his left hand.
The legal team representing the man, who cannot be identified, as well as another person not pictured on the video, have lodged a joint-complaint with the police Ombudsman.
COMPLAINTS
Owen Beattie, solicitor of KRW LAW, told the Tyrone Herald, “We can confirm that complaints have been lodged with the police ombudsman in relation to this incident.
“The horrific video that has been circulated on social media has been forwarded to the Ombudsman for their investigators to examine.”
He added, “Our clients also intend to issue court proceedings against the PSNI for the grievous injuries they have sustained.”
The PSNI have reportedly referred the matter to their professional standards department, but the officer in question remains on duty.
Police have said that two men have been charged with assault on police officers and disorderly behaviour in relation to the incident and are set to appear in Dungannon Magistrates Court on December 17.
A spokesperson for the police Ombudsman has confirmed to the Irish News that they have received a complaint alleging “assault and unlawful arrest” and is now being assessed.
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