Police watchdog appeals for witnesses after boy claims he was racially profiled in stop and search

A police watchdog is appealing for witnesses of a stop and search after a 16-year-old boy has claimed he was racially profiled.

The incident happened around 11pm on September 4, 2020, in Armitage Road, Greenwich.

Met Police officers were responding to reports of a serious incident in Armitage Road, SE10, when they stopped and searched five teenage boys.

They deployed tasers, but did not activate them.

The boy has claimed the officers did not have reasonable grounds to stop and search him, he was racially stereotyped and they abused their authority by using unnecessary force.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct launched an independent investigation into the incident in June.

They have collected body-cam footage and mobile phone footage which was shared on social media. 

They have also obtained incident logs, call recordings, radio airwaves transmissions, and relevant force policies and procedures.

Independent Office for Police Conduct Regional Director Sal Naseem said: “It’s possible that a number of bystanders may have witnessed this incident.

“It’s vitally important we establish the full circumstances leading to this stop and search so I would appeal to anyone who saw what happened to contact our investigators as soon as possible.

“We have carried out door-to-door enquiries and put up witness appeal boards in the local area.

“We would particularly like to hear from anyone who either witnessed the incident or may have footage of it.”

If you have any information, contact the IOPC at op.taponga@policeconduct.gov.uk