British police officer is under investigation after video shows him attacking a man in a wheelchair

The incident occurred on Monday afternoon.

An investigation was launched after a video on social media showed a police officer hitting a man in a wheelchair. According to the BBC, the incident happened outside a shop in Great Yarmouth on Monday evening. In the viral clip, the officer landed about half a dozen punches on the disabled man. Norfolk Police said the man, who was arrested on suspicion of public order offences, was “verbally abusive” and threatened the officer “with a bottle”.

“We are aware of public concerns about the level of violence used in this incident and this will form part of our investigation,” Chief Inspector Matt Dyson was quoted as saying by the BBC.

“We are aware of a video being circulated on social media. The matter has been referred to the Professional Standards Department and we are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances, including a review of the officer’s body-worn video,” he added.

Watch the video:

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Police beat a one-legged man in a wheelchair in Great Yarmouth today pic.twitter.com/BPCvihQScC

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A 43-year-old woman who works nearby said she saw the incident, which occurred on St Peter’s Road.

She said the man in the wheelchair was dancing and singing when the police officer came and stopped him.

“He tried to stand up with a bottle of beer in his hand and I think the police officer thought he was going to throw the bottle at him. Then you see in the video that the police officer hit him,” Carla Carvalho told the outlet.

Justin Fenn, the manager of a store in the area, said his surveillance cameras captured the incident from multiple angles.

“The police officer stops and the man waves a bottle. He has just dumped the contents and is brandishing them, which immediately confronts the police officer. He screams and screams. The police officer got the pepper spray. He asks for help on his radio. ” said Mr. Fenn.

Norfolk Police said a man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of causing harassment, alarm or distress and assaulting an emergency worker.