Police officer filmed putting 14-year-old boy wearing school uniform in a headlock then Tasering him is removed from frontline duties as investigation begins

• Officers were called to a house in Birmingham, at about 5:20pm on Monday
• Video shows one drawing his stun gun and firing it at the child

The police officer who was filmed tasering a 14-year-old boy has been removed from frontline duties pending an investigation.

The shocking footage which has now been viewed by thousands on social media showed the teenager being hit with 50,000 volts by the West Midlands Police officer. 

The incident took place outside a house in Bromford, Birmingham at about 5:20pm on Monday.

In the mobile phone video the teenager, who is still in his school uniform, collapses to the grass and can be seen violently convulsing on the ground as onlookers scream ‘what are you doing?’

A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: ‘Following the arrest of a 37-year-old man and a teenage boy for assaulting a police officer in Kempson Road on Monday, both have been released on police bail with strict conditions while our enquiries continue.

‘During the incident, the 14-year-old boy was Tasered.

‘The officer concerned has been removed from frontline duties while the incident is investigated.’

‘We understand the depth of feeling from members of the public who have viewed footage of the encounter online, and we are reviewing this alongside body-worn footage of the incident in its entirety to determine any wrongdoing.

‘The matter has also been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) to consider if they wish to conduct an independent investigation.’

West Midlands Police said they were originally called to a ‘neighbour dispute’ and the boy was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an officer, and criminal damage.

Officers said ‘several residents’ had been arguing and there were ‘allegations of physical violence’.  

Officers were called to a house in Bromford, Birmingham, at about 5:20pm Monday where one was filmed holding the child in a headlock as onlookers repeatedly shouted ‘get off him!’

On Tuesday the police released a statement which read: ‘As they attempted to diffuse the situation, threats of criminal damage were made.

‘One of the officers tried to arrest the suspect, but he resisted and the officer was further attacked by another man. During the scuffle, a 14-year-old boy was Tasered.

‘A 37-year-old man and a 14-year-old boy were arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer and remain in custody.

‘The teen was also arrested for criminal damage and threats to cause criminal damage.’

West Midlands Police said they were originally called to a ‘neighbour dispute’ and the boy was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer and criminal damage

During the video, the teenage boy’s mother can also be heard hysterically in the background shouting ‘what the f*** have you done to my son?’

She adds: ‘Watch his asthma, his asthma, look he can’t breathe, he’s a child.’ 

An officer shouted back at the onlookers that the boy has been arrested and warned others to stand back.

He went on to refute their pleas of concern with ‘I don’t care, I don’t care.’ 

The footage has been viewed thousands of times after being uploaded by the Birmz is Grime online blog.

Internet users were divided about the police’s tactics with one person writing: ‘That’s a bit heavy-handed to say the least considering he is only a kid.’

Another added: ‘ This boy posed no threat at all had no weapon that warrants this behaviour from the police.’

Another added: ‘If you can’t handle a 14-year-old old kid in a school uniform who poses no threat to life and have to taser him while with another police officer, you both probably should not be a Bobby.’

However, one person added: ‘Brilliant work by the police. Surrounded by a violent aggressive crowd. Very well handled.’

And another commented: ‘There would need to be a legitimate reason for him to have been restrained. Two officers with a group of people who are getting challenging. They have to remove the challenge before they end up on the floor outnumbered.’  

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