Police force refers itself to watchdog over Leeds court arrest

As reported by the YEP, the knifeman threatened people on the street after trying to get into the Oxford Row building yesterday morning (Oct 19).

Officers pursued him as he ran from the court towards nearby Leeds Magistrates’ Court.

They used batons and CS spray to try to subdue him, before colleagues who were passing the scene in an unmarked police car knocked him down. He was subsequently arrested.

Police initially said the man was uninjured, but have since revealed he dislocated a shoulder.

The matter has now been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

A police spokesman said: “A man who was arrested following an incident at Leeds Crown Court and Leeds Magistrates Court yesterday was subsequently found to have a dislocated shoulder when examined.

“The 35-year-old, who was arrested following an incident where a man brandished a knife and threatened members of the public, was initially not thought to have been injured during his arrest, which saw him knocked to the ground by an unmarked police car.

“While in custody he was examined by a doctor and found to have an injury to his shoulder and has been taken to hospital for treatment.

“As a result of this, West Yorkshire Police has now referred the incident to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.”