Police officer filmed hitting and kicking 15-year-old boy

‘The kick was totally uncalled for and unnecessary,’ says witness

A police officer has been caught on camera punching and kicking a 15-year-old boy in the street.

The unnamed officer can be seen grappling with the teenager in CCTV footage just moments after restraining him in Birmingham.

The policeman then appears to floor the boy with a punch to the head, before kicking him as he lies on the ground.

The incident took place in the Newtown area of Birmingham on 21 April after the 15-year-old was told he would be stopped and searched under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

West Midlands Police said the teenager was “seen acting suspiciously”, refused to co-operate and “is alleged to have elbowed the officer in the face”.

However a witness said “the kick was totally uncalled for and unnecessary”, adding: “I was completely shocked at the conduct of the officer.”

The officer has been removed from the frontline while the incident is investigated, but has not been suspended.

A police spokesperson said: “We are investigating one of our officers who stopped a teenager who was seen acting suspiciously.

A West Midlands Police officer has been removed from frontline duties after CCTV footage emerged of him appearing to punch and kick a 15-year-old boy in Newtown, Birmingham, on 21 April 2020. (SWNS)

“The 15-year-old was told he would be stopped and searched under the Misuse of Drugs Act in Melbourne Avenue, Newtown, at around 5pm on 21 April.

“He refused to co-operate and is alleged to have elbowed the officer in the face.

“He was restrained by the officer before being detained and returned home.

“The force’s Professional Standards Department is reviewing CCTV and body worn video of the incident following a complaint alleging that the boy had been assaulted by the officer during the course of his encounter.

“It has also voluntarily been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

“The officer has not been suspended, but has been removed from front-line duties while the investigation is carried out.”

Additional reporting by SWNS