A police force has referred itself to the police standards watchdog over a “really shocking” viral video showing a man being restrained by five uniformed officers.
Footage posted on social media showed a man being struck at least seven times on or about the head by an officer from West Midlands Police.
The male officer has an object in his right hand which appears to be Pava incapacitant spray, which discharges into the room as his hand comes down on the man.
The footage, recorded by a third party, is cut short when another male officer turns and closes the door on the camera.
In a statement on Monday, West Midlands Police said it had referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) over the video, saying it has “generated concern across communities”.
The force said the video showed “edited footage” but does not show the man “attack the officers with his walking sticks, injuring three of them”.
A police statement said: “West Midlands Police has voluntarily referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) after a video was posted on social media yesterday (Sunday 10 March) which has generated concern across communities.
“On 25 February officers were called by a doctor who was conducting a mental health assessment in Sandwell. During the assessment, the 38-year-old man became violent and assaulted the doctor with a metal crutch, so police were called.
“The video circulating on social media shows edited footage of officers who attended but does not show the events which lead up to his restraint.
“The full body worn video of the response shows the man attack the officers with his walking sticks injuring three of them.
“Incapacitant spray was used and one officer appears to be using a distraction tactic and a full review of the circumstances will take place to decide whether the use of force was proportionate.
“The man was arrested on suspicion of assault and taken into custody. He was medically examined while in custody and he had not received any injuries. He is currently receiving treatment in a mental health facility.
“Three officers sustained various injuries to their arms, heads, face and hands while two officers were treated for the effects of the incapacitant spray. The doctor sustained a minor arm injury.”