South Yorkshire Police investigating ‘shocking’ clip of officers confronting teenage girls
South Yorkshire Police issued a statement after a clip was widely shared on social media of an incident in Rotherham at the weekend.
A viral video which appears to show police officers shoving, hitting and drawing Tasers on a group of teenage girls has been described as “nothing short of shocking”, by a force which is investigating.
South Yorkshire Police issued a statement after a clip was widely shared on social media of an incident in Rotherham at the weekend.
It shows police being confronted by a number of girls in party dresses before one of the officer appears to shove one of the teenagers, drawing his baton.
As the incident quickly develops, some the teenagers end up on the floor as two officers point Tasers at the group.
One of the officers appears to hit out at a girl as she lunges at him.
The clip shows at least six officers attended the incident.
In a statement, the force said: “The short clip on social media of the police response to an incident in Rotherham over the weekend appears nothing short of shocking.
“Our PSD (professional standards department) are reviewing this and all available footage, including body-worn video, of the full response to the 999 call to understand what happened before, during, and after what is publicly available.
“Their assessment will inform our next steps.
“At South Yorkshire Police, we want our officers to be professional and their actions to be lawful, proportionate and fair.”
South Yorkshire’s deputy mayor for policing and crime Kilvinder Vigurs said: “I am horrified by the footage from Rawmarsh that has been shared on social media.
“It is shocking and I know people will be distressed by it.
“A full review is now under way by South Yorkshire Police, including body-worn video, to establish exactly what happened not only during the incident, but before and after.
“That work is being undertaken as a matter of urgency.”
Ms Vigurs said: “I do not want to prejudge any investigation, but my clear expectation, and that of the public, is that officers uphold the highest standards of professional conduct.
“When police use force it must be done reasonably and proportionately.
“It is essential for public confidence that any instances where this is not the case are dealt with swiftly and robustly.
“The public must have confidence that policing in South Yorkshire is fair and accountable, especially when it involves young people.”