*Warning: Contains content some viewers may find distressing*
A 'concerning' video has emerged showing a mum who was wrongfully arrested in front of a boy, believed to be her son, over a 'bus fare'.
Police have responded to video footage of a woman shouting and screaming as two male Metropolitan Police officers held her arms and handcuffed her in Croydon, south London, on Friday, July 21.
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The clip provoked criticism on social media as the boy watched on as his mum was arrested after wrongly being accused of failing to pay a bus fare.
A police officer can be seen bending down to speak to a child.
Footage posted online shows the woman shouting 'What the hell?' and 'What the f*** is going on?' while handcuffed, as two male officers hold her arms.
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She repeatedly asks one of the officers to let go and says 'I haven’t done anything wrong', while a member of the public films what is happening and asks why she is being arrested.
The woman was later de-arrested when it was confirmed that she had paid the fare.
The Met Police said in a statement: "It is clear from the video that has been shared online that this incident was distressing for the woman involved and particularly for her child.
"We understand why it has prompted significant public concern and we want to be transparent about our position and the role of our officers.
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"Officers from the Met's Roads and Transport Policing Command were supporting TfL ticket inspectors on a pre-planned operation in Windmill Road, Croydon on Friday, 21 July.
"As buses pulled into the stop, TfL inspectors would check the tickets of those onboard and also those getting off.
"Anyone without a valid ticket is required to provide their details to a TfL inspector so a penalty fare can be issued.
"This is not a policing matter. Officers only become involved where details are not provided or where someone tries to leave when challenged."
Now, watchdog - the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) - said a complaint had been made accusing police of racially profiling the woman, who is Black.
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A spokesperson said: “We have received a complaint referral from the Metropolitan Police Service following an incident in Whitehorse Road, Croydon on July 21 where a woman was handcuffed.
“The complaint alleges the woman was racially profiled and verbally abused by an officer.
“We will now assess the referral and decide if any further action is required from us.”
Tyla has contacted Met Police for comment.
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The matter has now been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct for review.
Topics: UK News
Anish Vij