Man tasered by police in front of child at petrol station as incident referred to watchdog
The chief constable of Greater Manchester Police, Ian Hopkins, said the matter has been referred to the IOPC.
Friday 8 May 2020 23:34, UK
An investigation has been launched after a man was tasered by police in front of a terrified young child.
In a video shared online, the man is seen talking to officers at a petrol station and the child is heard crying and calling out for "daddy" - but is moved back by one of two police officers.
The incident happened in Stretford, Manchester on Wednesday night.
Police say they had stopped a vehicle which had been driven at excessive speed.
The video shows an argument with police officers and shows a bystander filming from close by.
After the first taser, officers tell the man on the ground to put his hands behind his back - and the man is tasered again.
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burham has demanded an "urgent and independent review to be carried out".
In a statement, Greater Manchester Police said a man has been charged with seven offences, including speeding, having no insurance, drink driving, failing to stop and unnecessary travel.
Police added: "During the arrest a Taser was deployed by a Greater Manchester Police Officer.
"The matter has been reviewed by the GMP Professional Standards Branch and we have voluntarily referred this matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, to ensure transparency and independence in terms of reviewing the circumstances of the arrest."
Superintendent Mark Kenny, said: "We are aware of public concern regarding this arrest and I want to reassure the public that this matter is being reviewed and treated seriously. In addition we have voluntarily referred this matter to the IOPC."