A disturbing video has captured the moment a teenager was allegedly shoved headfirst into a bollard by police officers during an anti-immigration demonstration in Sheffield. The footage, recorded on a mobile phone, shows a 17-year-old boy, wearing a Union Jack flag around his neck, being forced into a metal post by an officer. The teenager is then seen lying on the ground as officers surround him.
Details of the Incident
The incident occurred during a march organised by the campaign group Raise the Colours, which took place in Sheffield city centre last weekend. The protest attracted more than 150 anti-immigration demonstrators. Raise the Colours describes itself as a "grassroots movement for unity and patriotism." Several hundred counter-protesters also attended the event, alongside a significant police presence.
During the demonstration, video captured a confrontation involving the teenage boy and an officer on The Wicker, near Blonk Street. As officers attempted to arrest him, footage appears to show the teenager being thrown into a metal bollard. The incident sparked angry shouts from supporters at the Raise the Colours march before the boy was carried away by officers.
Police Response and Investigation
Police later confirmed that the teenager was taken to hospital and de-arrested so he could receive treatment for injuries before later discharging himself. Officers said force was used because the teenager had allegedly assaulted a police officer. On Sunday evening, South Yorkshire Police confirmed it had referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) over the arrest.
A force statement said: "We are aware of a video and information circulating online relating to the arrest of a male during a protest in Sheffield on June 13. Officers used force to detain a 17-year-old boy following an alleged assault on a police officer. The teenager was subsequently de-arrested in order to receive medical treatment at hospital for his injuries, where he later discharged himself. In line with procedure, a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has been made."
Protest and Arrests
After leaving the Peace Gardens at around 1:30pm, police officers, supported by vans and mounted units, were required to move counter-protesters from the route on several occasions as they attempted to obstruct the march. Organisers repeatedly used a tannoy to urge participants to follow police instructions and insisted they would not cause disruption.
South Yorkshire Police said six people were arrested during the event. Four men aged 26, 32, and 36, along with another man whose age was not disclosed, were arrested on suspicion of public order offences. A 65-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault, while the 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker.
