An investigation is underway into the conduct of two North Yorkshire Police officers after it was reported that a man needed hospital treatment following his arrest.
The force has suspended one officer and referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) after concerns were raised about the police use of force.
The IOPC says the man was pepper sprayed and struck by officers while being restrained, according to a report in the Mirror.
Officers were responding to a traffic incident at Tockwith, between York and Wetherby, on 26 January.
An IOPC spokesperson told the Mirror: “They were involved in an incident with the man who, early evidence suggests, was aggressive towards officers.
“Body-worn footage shows PAVA spray being deployed and the man being struck while being restrained.
“Our investigation is looking at the level of force used. We have accounts from other officers present and ambulance staff.”
PAVA is a synthetic form of pepper spray.
The arrested man is reported to be black, but an IOPC source said there was no evidence of race “being a factor at this stage”.
A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “On 26 January 2024, North Yorkshire Police received a report of a road traffic collision in the Tockwith area.
“Officers attended, and arrested a man in his 40s in connection with the incident.
“The man became violent towards officers, who used force to restrain and arrest him. He was taken to custody, and subsequently released on bail while enquiries continue.
“Following concerns raised about the officers’ use of force, the incident was referred voluntarily by North Yorkshire Police to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) who are investigating the circumstances.
“Following a review, one officer was subsequently suspended from duty.
“We want to reassure our communities that we take concerns of this nature very seriously, and will continue to work closely with the IOPC.”