Merseyside Police have released a statement about the incident
12:43, 27 Apr 2025Updated 14:54, 27 Apr 2025
A still from the widely-distributed video
A formal complaint has been lodged against Merseyside Police following reports an officer used force against a teenager during his arrest. A widely-circulated video showed the arrest of two teenage boys in Kirkby.
In the video seen by the ECHO, an officer appears to slap one of the teenagers in the face while the boy is in the back of a police car. The other boy is shown being held on the ground with his hands behind his back.
The incident happened on Friday evening, April 25 in Lapford Crescent. Police were called to the crescent at 5.45pm following reports a group was vandalising property in the area.
The teenagers were on a shed roof, damaging property and throwing pieces of wood, according to police.
Two schoolboys, aged 13 and 14, were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, a public order offence and obstructing police. They were taken into custody to be interviewed and conditionally bailed.
According to Merseyside Police, the same group was reportedly responsible for a number of previous incidents of criminal damage in the area.
In a statement released today, Inspector James Watson of Merseyside Police said: “We take all reports of anti-social behaviour extremely seriously, and we are grateful to those members of the community in Northwood who reported this incident to us.
“Anti-social behaviour can cause real fear and anxiety in the heart of our communities, and will not be tolerated by Merseyside Police.
“We are aware of footage circulated on social media showing a small part of this incident, after officers had attended and were in the process of detaining two males.
“As a police force we always expect the highest standards from our officers. Where those standards are found to be breached disciplinary action is taken.
“I understand that members of the public viewing this footage may be concerned. However, I would like to stress that a small clip doesn’t always show the full context of an incident.
“A formal complaint against police has been made by a member of the public who has viewed the footage online.
“Our Professional Standards Department will review the incident to establish the full circumstances and whether the force used by attending officers was proportionate.”
In the video a police officer appears to slap a young man who is sat in the back of a patrol car. The person recording the incident then says: “Ah! I’ve got you on video slapping him!