Officer suspended after 'assault' caught on camera

A police officer has been suspended from duty after he and four other constables were allegedly caught on a security camera assaulting a man whom they are said to have run over in an unmarked police car, police said.

Still pictures, apparently taken from the closed circuit television camera, appear to show one officer placing his foot on the man’s stomach.

The man claims that when he asked for an ambulance one policeman replied: ‘‘You’re an ambulance. You’re a very naughty ambulance.’’

The injured man is then said to have been told by another that he would ‘‘probably have to walk’’ if he wanted to go to hospital.

An investigation into the alleged incident in Erith, Kent, dating back to January 1999, has been launched by the Directorate of Professional Standards.

A spokesman for New Scotland Yard said: ‘‘It came to light in September this year after the man’s solicitor reported it to police.

‘‘They provided police with video footage and an immediate investigation was launched. One officer, a male Pc in his 40s, has been suspended pending the inquiry.

‘‘A number of other Pcs have been notified that they are subject to this investigation.’’

The alleged incident was captured by a neighbour, disturbed by the noise outside, who turned on a security camera and filmed the events.

The alleged victim claims the police officers threatened, taunted and mocked him for 38 minutes, moments after they had knocked him down in a police car.

Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Hayman, who is also head of the Directorate of Professional Standards, said: ‘‘This incident happened nearly three years ago and when we received the allegation we launched a full investigation which has resulted in one officer being suspended from duty.

"A number of other Pcs have been served with disciplinary notices informing them that they are also being investigated.

‘‘The Met is determined to establish the full facts and to act swiftly to ensure that the confidence of Londoners is maintained.

‘‘The Met will not tolerate behaviour which falls short of the standards which they community expects of our officers.’’