Police refer South Shields arrest probe to national watchdog after allegation of excessive force

Officers arresting man in Stanhope Road near Sainsbury's which was the former West Park pub

A male was arrested in Stanhope Road, South Shields, at about 1.30am on Friday, July 29, and footage of the arrest was posted to Facebook.

Northumbria Police has now “voluntarily” referred the matter to the IPCC.

Southern Area Commander Chief Superintendent Ged Noble said: “We have taken the decision to voluntarily refer this matter to the Independent Police Complaints Commission because we are an open and transparent police force.

“We also want to reassure all sections of our communities that this investigation will be managed independently and impartially.

“The decision to voluntarily refer the matter should not be interpreted as a finding of wrongdoing – that is for the IPCC to establish.

“But I am very aware of the concerns that have been raised in social media and the potential impact this could have with public confidence, which is something that we take very seriously.

“This is why we have taken the decision today to make this referral.”