An independent police watchdog is investigating an officer after footage emerged of a man being physically restrained around the neck during an arrest in Halifax. The video, shared on social media, shows 27-year-old Hassan Ahmed being held on the ground with an arm around his neck.
Mr Ahmed, who has since been released under investigation, told the BBC he was not resisting arrest and feared for his life. He said the arrest followed an argument with another man, whom he admitted punching, after being called to the area by a family member.
In the video, a voice can be heard saying: 'Chill out or I'll choke you out, chill out or you're going to sleep.' The officer involved has been suspended, and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is now independently investigating the incident after a voluntary referral from West Yorkshire Police.
IOPC Regional Director Miranda Biddle said: 'We can understand why the images circulated have caused considerable public concern and we would like to reassure members of the community that we have taken the decision to independently investigate this incident.'
The IOPC is appealing for witnesses who were in the area at about 15:00 BST on Sunday 16 August to come forward.
