Hampshire Constabulary review 'use of force' after man claims he was punched in the face
POLICE have confirmed an investigation has been launched following a complaint from a man who claims a police officer punched him twice in the face.
The man, who was suspected of assault, said he was being compliant when being detained by three officers at Newport on the Isle of Wight.
In an interview with the BBC the man, who asked to be known as Scott, said he was afraid the officers would injure his arm, which he had previously broken in a road accident.
He added: ‘I was very compliant. I said 'look, I'll happily go, just don't break my arm please’. They didn't give me any chance, threw me to the floor and then I got punched in the face.’
Scott said the arrest had followed a ‘bit of an argument’ in a pub.
A statement from Hampshire Constabulary said: ‘We were called at 6.55pm on Tuesday (April 20) with reports of an assault at The Castle Inn Pub, Newport.
‘Officers attended and a man was arrested on St James' Street, Newport. He has since been released from custody.
‘The circumstances surrounding the arrest and use of force are being reviewed by the constabulary's Professional Standards Department.’