Met Police officer under investigation for causing ‘grievous bodily harm’ to man now suffering life-changing injuries

'We understand that many people are concerned about this incident... [It] is being thoroughly and independently investigated,' says Independent Office for Police Conduct

A Metropolitan Police officer has been told he is subject to a criminal investigation after a man was tasered and left with life-changing injuries.

The incident took place last Monday in Haringey, north London. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) understands the man had run from police after they approached him on Burgoyne Road, and was tasered as he jumped over a wall.

He then fell and suffered serious injuries. The man, in his 20s, was arrested for drug-related offences and taken to a hospital where he was assessed as having a life-changing injury.

The officer, who was also served notice of investigation for gross misconduct, will be asked to give a written account under caution for the alleged offence of causing grievous bodily harm.

The criminal investigation comes as campaigners called for an urgent review of the use of tasers after another incident took place in Manchester just days before, where a man was tasered to the ground in front of his young son.

Both men who were tasered are black, leading to concerns of a “disturbing rise” in the ‘disproportionate” use of tasers against black men and those with mental health problems.

Footage from the altercation in Manchester provoked outrage and prompted Andy Burnham, the city’s mayor, to also call for a review of whether the stun-gun use was justified.

IOPC regional director Sal Naseem said of the London incident: “Having examined a range of evidence including body worn video, witness statements and medical evidence, we have taken the decision that this is now a criminal investigation.

“A criminal investigation does not mean that criminal charges will necessarily follow. We understand that many people are concerned about this incident and I want to reassure people that this is being thoroughly and independently investigated.”

The IOPC initially announced three police officers were under investigation on 10 May, and described the incident as “extremely serious”

Detective Chief Superintendent Treena Fleming, commander of the Met’s north area command unit, said at the time: “My thoughts and well wishes are with the injured man and his family. I have spoken with the man and a family member and have assured them that I am fully committed to supporting the IOPC investigation.

“An incident like this is very sad and will naturally provoke commentary and conversations within the local community. I would ask people to allow the independent investigation to take place and report its findings in due course so that the full circumstances can be established.”

David Lammy, MP for Tottenham in Haringey, told The Guardian: “I’ve met with the family and there is definitely community concern about this incident We need a full and thorough investigation in how he has ended up with life-changing injuries.”

Deborah Coles, director of charity INQUEST, which supports bereaved people following state-related deaths, told The Independent the two recent incidents were “not isolated” and said an urgent review of tasers and “their disproportionate use and accountability for abuse of force” was needed.

“The disproportionate use of force against black people and those with mental ill health is well evidenced and has led to a pattern of deaths and serious injuries. Racial profiling and discriminatory policing is a systemic issue.

“The rollout of tasers has seen a disturbing rise in its disproportionate use and there are legitimate questions to ask about its safety and its use as a first and not last resort. A culture of impunity after deaths and serious incidents undermines public confidence in an accountable police force.”

The IOPC yesterday called for greater scrutiny on the use of stun guns following the incidents.

Director general Michael Lockwood said: “The IOPC recognises that the use of taser is important in helping officers respond to often dangerous and challenging situations. However, more officers are now carrying taser and there are growing concerns both locally and nationally about its disproportionate use against black men and those with mental health issues.

“Robust oversight of cases involving Taser is essential for maintaining public confidence in the police use of this kind of force. We need transparency around how and when it is used, and a visible demonstration that police forces are learning from their experiences of using it.

“While the IOPC has a role to investigate the most serious matters involving taser, Police and Crime Commissioners also have an important role in providing community assurance about scrutiny of taser use.”