West Midlands Police has released a statement following the circulation of video footage on social media of its officers trying to detain a man went viral.
In the edited footage, several officers can be seen trying to detain a male using Pava spray and various distraction techniques which are often used by the police when trying to detain a violent and combative suspect.
However, in the footage that was circulated on social media, only the footage of the moment that the officers tried to detain the male was shared, leaving out the footage of the male attacking the officers before they tried to subdue him.
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said:
‘On 25 February officers were called by a doctor who was conducting a mental health assessment in Sandwell. During the assessment, the 38-year-old man became violent and assaulted the doctor with a metal crutch, so police were called.
‘The video circulating on social media shows edited footage of officers who attended but does not show the events which lead up to his restraint.
‘The full body worn video of the response shows the man attack the officers with his walking sticks injuring three of them.
‘Incapacitant spray was used and one officer appears to be using a distraction tactic and a full review of the circumstances will take place to decide whether the use of force was proportionate.
‘The man was arrested on suspicion of assault and taken into custody. He was medically examined while in custody and he had not received any injuries. He is currently receiving treatment in a mental health facility.
‘Three officers sustained various injuries to their arms, heads, face and hands while two officers were treated for the effects of the incapacitant spray. The doctor sustained a minor arm injury.
Head of the force’s Professional Standards Department, Chief Superintendent Chris Todd said:
“We do not underestimate the impact this video has on the public’s confidence in policing.
“On
Got a story, video or one-off blog that you would like to share with us?
You can contact our team of former emergency services & armed forces personnel either through our Facebook page, via Twitter ( @ES_News_ ) or you can contact us via email: contact@emergency-services.news or call us on: 0115 888 0592
If you run or manage a ‘job’ social media account and you would like us to share one of your stories then send us a tweet or a message!
If you would like to write an article that you would like us to share (it can be about anything to do with the emergency services / NHS) whether you serve in the emergency services / NHS or whether you are a member of the public who has had a good experience with the emergency services, then feel free to contact our team; anonymously if you prefer.
We are proud to act as a voice for the emergency services, armed forces & health service, with over 500,000 people visiting our website each month.
Support our news, stories and blogs —>
Join our WhatsApp community!
ESN is now on WhatsApp, and we want you to join our 'read only' channel.
To join, you need to have WhatsApp on your device. All you need to do is click the link and press 'Join community'.
No one will be able to see who is signed up, and no one can send messages except the ESN team.You won't get any 'SPAM' just news stories & videos written & produced by our team of former emergency services personnel.
Joining our WhatsApp channel is a great way to help support our work and best of all, it is free!
If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community, click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Before you read or leave a comment...
In an age where mainstream media often overlooks the sacrifices made by our emergency services personnel, Emergency Services News is a critical fact-based voice you can trust
While we persist in our mission, we need your help to continue. Your donation directly enables us to produce high-quality content that elevates the stories and challenges faced by the men and women who serve, stories that are often ignored elsewhere.
We deeply appreciate your support. Your contribution empowers us to keep shining a light on the remarkable, yet often overlooked, individuals who serve our communities every day. Thank you for standing with us.
You can support emergency services news from as little as £1. It only takes a minute. Every contribution, however big or small, is vital for our future.
Please help us to continue to highlight the life-saving work of the emergency services, NHS and armed forces by becoming a supporter.
Unfortunately to many people are prepared to be judge and jury without being in possession of the full facts. I call them lardy assed keyboard commentators.