The police watchdog has launched an investigation after armed police rammed a Black 13-year-old boy with a water pistol off his bike and arrested him in Hackney.
It comes after the teenager’s mother said she feels “betrayed” by the Metropolitan Police.
The boy, only referred to as Child X, suffered bruising after he was rammed off his bike by a police van and handcuffed as he was confronted by marksmen in Hackney, east London, in July.
In a statement read out on her behalf at a press conference on Thursday, the boy’s mother said the incident had been a “deeply traumatic experience” for their entire family, adding that she believed it would not have occurred had her son “been a white 13-year-old boy”.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) originally said the Met Police should investigate the complaint themselves but announced on Friday it had “reconsidered” its decision and launched an independent investigation.
IOPC regional director for London Charmaine Arbouin said: “This was clearly a distressing incident for this boy, his sister and mother and it is right that the complaint is investigated.”
She added: “In the light of the mother’s statement yesterday, and the concerns that have been expressed by the local community in Hackney and more widely, we’ve reconsidered our decision and will now investigate this independently.”
Child X said she and her family had been left “broken” by the trauma, with her son having regular nightmares about the incident. She said his race led to his treatment by armed officers, who she also accused of treating her with “contempt”.
She added that the family were still in shock.
“How do I explain to (my son and siblings) what happened? How do I help them cope with the fact that the police present at the scene seemed unable or unwilling to apologise, explain or answer for what they had done?
“And after what has happened, how can I ever tell them that they can turn to the police for help?”
Lee Jasper, chair of APA, described the incident as “appalling” adding: “The case terrifies me as a parent. Our blood runs cold at the context and scenario.” He claimed the child was “inches from death”.
He called on the Mayor of London, Met Police Commissioner Mark Rowley and the Home Secretary to investigate.
Mr Jasper also wants the mayor’s newly-launched policing board to encourage the Met Police to start collecting data on violent interactions between its officers and Black children.
Felecia Phillips Ollie DD (h.c.) is the inspiring leader and founder of The Equality Network LLC (TEN). With a background in coaching, travel, and a career in news, Felecia brings a unique perspective to promoting diversity and inclusion. Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in English/Communications, she is passionate about creating a more inclusive future. From graduating from Mississippi Valley State University to leading initiatives like the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Equal Employment Opportunity Program, Felecia is dedicated to making a positive impact. Join her journey on our blog as she shares insights and leads the charge for equity through The Equality Network.
