A disturbing video has emerged showing a teenager being pushed headfirst into a metal bollard by a police officer during an anti-immigration protest in Sheffield. The incident occurred as officers detained a 17-year-old boy at a demonstration organised by the group Raise the Colours.
Footage Captures Alleged Force
Mobile phone footage captures a police officer allegedly forcing the teenager, who was draped in a Union Jack flag, into the metal post. Officers are then seen surrounding the youth as he lies on the ground. The protest, which took place last weekend, saw over 150 anti-immigration demonstrators march through Sheffield city centre.
Raise the Colours describes itself as a "grassroots movement for unity and patriotism." Several hundred counter-demonstrators were also present, alongside numerous police officers.
Arrest and Aftermath
During the demonstration, footage recorded the teenage boy tussling with an officer on The Wicker, near Blonk Street. While detaining the lad, the officer is seen allegedly forcing the protester powerfully into the bollard. The detention sparked angry shouts from the Raise the Colours protest, and the teenager was subsequently carried away.
Police chiefs confirmed he was taken to hospital and de-arrested to receive medical treatment for his injuries. He later discharged himself. Officers stated they "used force" because he allegedly assaulted a police officer.
Police Referral to IOPC
On Sunday evening (14 June), South Yorkshire Police confirmed it had referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) regarding the arrest. A statement read: "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 IOPC has been made."
Protest Details
Departing the Peace Gardens at approximately 1.30pm, officers — including those in vans and on horseback — were required to move counter-protesters aside at various points along the route as they attempted to obstruct the march. March organisers had instructed participants via a tannoy to comply with police directions throughout the route, pledging they would not cause any anti-social disruption.
A total of six individuals were arrested at the event, South Yorkshire Police confirmed. Senior officers revealed that four men — aged 26, 32, 36, and one of unknown age — were detained on suspicion of public order offences. A 65-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault, while the 17-year-old boy was held on suspicion of assault of an emergency worker.
