Police to investigate video of officer kicking tasered suspect in Brighton

A police officer was captured on video kicking a man who had just been tasered as he was arrested for shoplifting.

Sussex Police said that it would investigate the incident which was reported in The Argus today (Tuesday 9 July).

The video, which shows the man falling to the ground from the electric shock of the taser when an officer kicks him, has been uploaded to YouTube.

The force said: “At 6.18pm on Friday 5 July we received a report that a member of staff at Sainsbury’s, Western Road, Brighton, had been pushed to the ground by a man who was attempting to steal food and drink from the store.

“Local officers traced the man to the seafront nearby and at 6.33pm they confirmed that it had been necessary to taser him in order to carry out a safe arrest.

“The man was arrested on suspicion of theft and obstructing police, and received health and welfare checks to ensure that he was unharmed.

“He was later released on police bail until (Friday) 26 July while inquiries continue into those alleged offences.

“We have received no complaint from the man about the actions of the officers and the video was drawn to our attention at midday on Monday (8 July).

“It has now been referred to our Professional Standards Department who will examine it thoroughly, along with the full facts surrounding the incident, including what occurred before the actions shown in the video.

“It is important that we establish a detailed account of events from all available sources, as well as this video clip, before deciding on any further action.

“All suggestions of police misconduct are taken seriously and are carefully assessed, and action is taken whenever appropriate.”