Police explains brawl with man at Abbot Road, London

LONDON, U.K – The London Metropolitan Police has explained the circumstances surrounding  the brawl with a man and his subsequent arrest at Abbot Road, London.  The police is puting up a defence following the circulation of a viral video footage on the incident.

Speaking on the incident, Commander Mark McEwan, Professionalism,  said the man in question obstructed traffic, causing motorists  to swerve around it onto the wrong side of the road and that he refused to heed  warning to move his vehicle or be arrested.

“We’re aware of footage circulating on social media of officers arresting a man on Abbott Road in Poplar on the afternoon of Tuesday, 9 July and of community concerns about this incident.

“The circumstances are that at about 17:30hrs, officers attempted to speak with a 38-year-old man about his car. It was obstructing the highway in a way that caused a danger to other motorists having to swerve around it onto the wrong side of the road. Even those with a disabled badge cause an offence if they obstruct the highway.

“We have today reviewed Body Worn Video, recorded as standard practice by officers at the scene. The footage shows the man is asked multiple times to either produce his driving licence or move his vehicle and does not do so.

“The officer speaking to the man gives him a five stage warning – five opportunities to comply with the request made to move the vehicle or he will be arrested for causing an obstruction of the highway. Having failed to do so, the officer takes out his handcuffs and begins to arrest the man, who resists.

“The man is subsequently arrested on suspicion of obstruction of the highway, assaulting police and resisting arrest. During the incident he became unwell – officers immediately assisted and called an ambulance. The man was taken to hospital for treatment as a precaution, and is now in custody at an east London police station. Two officers suffered minor injuries.

“I understand how concerning this incident may have looked to those at the scene or people who have viewed social media footage since and it is only right we look in detail at the circumstances of what happened yesterday to ensure confidence in how we police London. To that end, the matter has been referred to the Central East Command professional standards unit and we will continue to talk to and listen to the local community to address any concerns.”