On 17th July, Friday video emerged in Islington where two officers held a black individual handcuffed and on the pavement. Deputy Met Police commissioner Sir Steve House has been on record to state that the footage was "extremely disturbing" and had been referred to the police watchdog.
In the video, one of the officers appears to be using his knee to control the suspect and has his hand on the man's head and the man on the ground, repeatedly shouted, "Get off my neck." He is eventually released from the ground and continues to talk to officers after they sit him up. Media reports suggest that several police cars arrived at the scene after the arresting officers were confronted by onlookers.
In a statement to the BBC, Sir Steve said,
"The video footage that I have seen today and is circulating on social media is extremely disturbing. Some of the techniques used cause me great concern - they are not taught in police training.
"One officer has been suspended and another officer has been removed from operational duty, but not suspended at this time. This decision will be kept under review."
The man had since been seen by a doctor, Scotland Yard said. It has also referred the arrest to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). London Mayor Sadiq Khan said,
"I'm deeply concerned about this distressing incident and we have raised this with senior officers at the Met Police as a matter of urgency.
"I welcome the fact the incident has been reviewed quickly by the Met and it's right that they have referred it to the IOPC."
The force confirmed it had charged a 45-year-old man with possession of a knife in a public place.
Marcus Coutain, of Islington, is due to appear in custody at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court on Saturday. The IOPC said it would conduct an independent investigation, according to the Met
