Porthmadog: Investigation after filming a police officer punching a suspect

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May 11, 2023, 14:37 GMT

Updated 50 minutes ago

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North Wales Police said the incident was being “a full investigation”.

Footage circulating online appears to show a police officer punching a man nine times while tying him to the ground.

The incident occurred during the arrest of a 34-year-old man in Porthmadog, Gwynedd, northwest Wales, on Wednesday.

In the footage, an officer is seen with his arm around the man’s neck as he punches him in the face.

North Wales Police said the matter was being “fully investigated” and had referred themselves to the police oversight body.

The Independent Office on Police Conduct (IOPC) has since launched an independent investigation.

The video appears to show the suspect being knocked to the ground by an officer and an officer after a brief argument.

Separate footage shows the man being led into a police car with a swollen and bruised face.

The force said he was then taken to hospital and evaluated by medical staff before being transferred to police custody.

The incident occurred on Pensyflog Street in the seaside town of Porthmadog.

Nia Jeffreys, a member of Gwynedd Council for the area, said: “The whole community has been shocked that the truth has been told, and our faith and trust in the police here in North Wales has been shaken.

“Trust has definitely been shaken. No one expects to see a police officer punch a guy multiple times while he is already on the ground, it is very dangerous.”

“This kind of behavior by a police officer cannot be tolerated and very difficult to justify.”

Ms Jeffries added that she, along with the local MP and the MS, had written to the Chief Constable to establish “the facts of this situation”.

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin described the footage as “disturbing” and said he takes it “very seriously”.

“I have discussed this incident with the Chief Constable this morning and have confirmed that North Wales Police are investigating,” he said.

“I take incidents like this very seriously and will work with the police and other agencies to understand the circumstances behind the footage,” he added.

Great public concern

David Ford, director of the IOPC, said: “The footage filmed on social media, which captured part of the interaction between the police officers and the arresting man, has, understandably, attracted huge interest and public attention.

“It is important that we thoroughly and independently investigate the entire incident, in order to determine whether the level of force used during the arrest was reasonable and proportionate in the circumstances.”

A North Wales Police spokesperson said: “This matter is currently under full investigation by North Wales Police and further updates will be issued in due course.”

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