The police watchdog has started gathering video evidence after Met officers apparently used violence in an arrest in Whitechapel last week. 

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed today (July 18) that it has begun its investigation into the violent arrest of a pro-Palestine protestor. 

Video shared to social media on July 12 appeared to show Metropolitan Police officers using force to arrest a man in Whitechapel Road.

The footage sparked outrage online, with Bethnal Green and Bow MP Rushanara Ali demanding answers. 

She tweeted: "I am aware there is footage circulating on social media about an incident locally involving the police and a member of the public.

"I am deeply concerned about this and have asked the @MPSTowerHam for an urgent explanation."

The Met made a voluntary referral of the case to the watchdog.

The IOPC has now revealed that the man's arrest was linked to an alleged assault on an emergency worker, and was not connected to the protest.

It reported that it has been able to establish that at 4.35pm on July 12, a police community support officer was involved in a conversation with a man about a vehicle in a bus lane and dedicated Red Route in the street. 

The support officer is believed to have later called for emergency assistance on their radio, with another officer arriving on the scene. 

In the footage on social media, it appears that the officer struck the man twice before additional officers arrived and the man was taken to the ground. 

He was arrested and taken into custody. 

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IOPC regional director Charmaine Arbouin said: “We’re aware that video footage of part of this incident has been widely shared online and we understand that the use of force by officers on a man while protest activity was taking place has caused considerable concern in the community.    

“It’s important that we carry out an independent investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding this incident, including the level of force used by the officers.”    

Mobile phone, CCTV, and police body worn footage will be reviewed, with accounts from the officers and the man involved.