South Yorkshire Police have launched an investigation after a viral video appeared to show officers shoving, hitting, and drawing Tasers on a group of teenage girls in Rotherham over the weekend. The force described the footage as "nothing short of shocking" in a statement released on Tuesday.
Footage Shows Confrontation with Party-Goers
The clip, widely shared on social media, shows police being confronted by several girls in party dresses. One officer appears to shove a teenager before drawing his baton. As the incident escalates, some teenagers end up on the ground while two officers point Tasers at the group. Another officer appears to strike a girl as she lunges at him. At least six officers are seen attending the scene.
Force Promises Full Review
A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: "The short clip on social media of the police response to an incident in Rotherham over the weekend appears nothing short of shocking. Our PSD are reviewing this and all available footage, including Body Worn Video, of the full response to the 999 call to understand what happened before, during, and after what is publicly available. Their assessment will inform our next steps. At South Yorkshire Police, we want our officers to be professional and their actions to be lawful, proportionate, and fair."
Public Reaction and Next Steps
The video has sparked outrage online, with many calling for accountability. The force's Professional Standards Department is examining all evidence to determine whether officers acted appropriately. No further details about the 999 call or the context of the incident have been released. The investigation is ongoing.
