London’s Metropolitan Police is under investigation after officers handcuffed a 90-year-old Black woman, placed a hood over her head and pointed a Taser at her while inside her home.
According to a recent report in The Guardian, the woman was restrained at her home and was left with cuts and bruises after she was arrested for reasons made unknown to the public.
Since the incident took place, one officer has been suspended. The other five have been placed on “restricted duties” and have been barred from interacting with the public until further notice.
“The Met officers attended and identified a 90-year-old lady, who was distressed,” a spokesperson with the Metropolitan Police told The Guardian. “After officers attempted to engage with her, she was restrained using handcuffs and a spit hood applied after it was alleged one officer was spat at. The woman was then taken to hospital. She was not arrested.”
The spokesperson added: “During the course of the incident, an officer issued a red-dot challenge with their Taser but did not discharge it.”
Authorities have since launched an investigation following a referral from the Metropolitan Police’s directorate of professional standards. The woman’s family member was granted access to watch footage of the incident which was captured from body cameras worn on the officers.
“There are limits to what I am able to say in relation to this incident given it is now subject to an [Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC)] investigation,” said Detective Superintendent Seb Adjei-Addoh. “However, it is clear that this will have been a distressing experience for the lady involved and that the circumstances raise a number of questions that need to be answered.”
He continued: “While I do not wish to pre-judge this process, officers know that they must be able to justify any use of force or restraint and we will expect that of the officers involved in this incident. They also know that we expect them to show compassion and to adjust their approach in real time according to the circumstances they are faced with.”
A spokesperson with IOPC confirmed that an investigation is underway, stating “We have also received a public complaint concerning the level of force that was used and the injuries it is alleged the woman sustained, including cuts and bruising on both her wrists and one arm. We have been in touch with the woman’s family to explain our role.”
