Met officers under criminal investigation after pointing taser and using spit hood on 90-year-old woman

Six Met police officers are under criminal investigation after a 90-year-old woman with dementia had a taser pointed at her and was put in spit hood, in what has been called a “distressing experience”.

On May 9, officers were called to an address in Peckham following reports of a disturbance and found the woman, who was “distressed and confused”.

The Met officers claim that after they 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.

During the course of the incident, an officer aimed the taser at the woman but did not shoot.

On July 20, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) informed six officers that they were under criminal investigation.

IOPC director Steve Noonan said: “We are concerned by some of the actions and decision-making of police officers involved in the detention of this elderly and vulnerable lady, and we recognise this incident has also caused community concern. It’s important that an independent investigation takes place to establish the full circumstances.

“We have been in regular contact with the lady’s family to update them on the investigation. Once it’s complete, we will decide whether to make a referral to the Crown Prosecution Service for a charging decision, and also whether any of the officers involved should face disciplinary proceedings.”

The officers, who are police constables attached to the Central South Basic Command Unit, which covers Southwark and Lambeth, have also been served with gross misconduct notices.

One of the officers was suspended following an initial review of the incident by the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards.

A further five officers were placed on restricted duties, meaning they will have no contact with the public, while the incident is investigated.

The launch of a criminal investigation does not mean that criminal charges will necessarily follow.

Detective Chief Superintendent Seb Adjei-Addoh, local policing commander in Southwark, said: “There are limits to what I am able to say in relation to this incident given it is subject to an IOPC investigation. 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.

“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.”

The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards said it made a voluntary referral to the IOPC as soon as they were made aware of the incident.

The woman’s family are aware of the incident and are being updated on the progress of the investigation by the IOPC.

The IOPC has been contacted for comment.

(Picture: The Met)