Police watchdog investigators are appealing for witnesses to the controversial restraint of a black woman in Lewisham by six officers to come forward.
Footage emerged last month of Kamyimsola Olatunjoye, 28, being pinned down by six police officers on May 9 as she shouted "I can't breathe", sparking an outcry and local protests.
The Independent Office for Police Complaints launched an inquiry into the incident, following a referral from police and a formal complaint from Ms Olatunjoye.
.@metpoliceuk why would it take SIX Police Officers to PIN down ONE WOMAN in Lewisham? I can see Police hitting her as she screams I can't breath? Shouting 'Please STOP' as she's being slapped! She's restrained!
— Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu (@SholaMos1) May 31, 2020
This is Unjustified Unacceptable Excessive Force #PoliceBrutality pic.twitter.com/UbB6g3nw4Y
IOPC Regional Director Sal Naseem said: “This incident took place in public view late at night and was likely witnessed by passers-by and members of the public.
"The video was widely shared on social media platforms and used by local media outlets.
“We would ask anybody who was in the area that evening and saw police activity to get in touch with us.
"We are aware of a number of people nearby who may have photographed or filmed the incident on their mobile phones and would ask that they come forward to assist with this investigation.
“To uphold public confidence in the police complaints system, we will be investigating the use of stop and search tactics in this incident and whether the actions of those officers were appropriate and proportionate and followed approved police policies.
“We will also investigate if racial profiling or discrimination played a part in the incident.”
The recording captures passers-by becoming increasingly distressed by the degree of force being used by the officers, one of whom appears to punch Ms Olatunjoye.
Officers begin telling observers to "move away" and to "stay back.
Ms Olatynjoye was travelling as a passenger in a car that failed to stop for police, Scotland Yard said.
The driver, Carlton Ireland, 46, of Hither Green, was charged with drink-driving
Ms Olatunjoye, of Alleford Road, Lewisham, was later charged with obstructing a drugs search.
Police say a matter of assaulting an emergency worker was not proceeded with.
Anti-racist activists have launched a petition demanding that the charges against the 28-year-old are dropped, alleging that stop and search powers were applied in a discriminatory way.
Protestors gathered outside Lewisham police station two weeks ago, calling for the officers involved in arresting Ms Olatunjoye to be suspended on the same day as thousands marched in central London following the death of George Floyd in the US.
The Mayor of Lewisham recently added to criticism of police, who he described as using “excessive force”.
Did you see anything? If so, please call 0800 029 4691 or LewishamHighStreet@policeconduct.gov.uk
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