Police officer repeatedly hits suspect on the head after being bitten during Leeds arrest

A man bit a police officer when he was being arrested in Morley this morning (Saturday).
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Footage shared on social media today showed a West Yorkshire Police officer responding by hitting the man four times in the head.

Police were called shortly before 10.30am to Middleton Road to reports of a taxi driver being threatened.

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One man had already fled the scene when police arrived but another man was detained.

Middleton Street, Morley (photo: Google).Middleton Street, Morley (photo: Google).
Middleton Street, Morley (photo: Google).

The officer was bitten on the arm while detaining the suspect.

The officer called for back-up from colleagues and PAVA spray, similar to pepper spray, was used.

The officer also used "hand strikes" on the man.

A 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker.

He is currently in custody.

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The injured officer was taken to hospital to be checked over.

Police officers are allowed by law to use force while performing their duties.

The decision on whether an officer uses force, and what type, depends on: their assessment of the situation; their own ability to deal with the incident and the threat posed, according to West Yorkshire Police guidance.

'Blocks, strikes and takedowns' come under the 'defensive tactics' section of tactical options, according to the 'use of force' document.

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A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "At 10.25am today (26/12) police were called to a report of a taxi driver being threatened in an incident in Middleton Road, Morley.

"When an officer attended, one male had already left the scene but another male was detained.

"The officer was bitten on the arm while detaining the suspect.

"The officer requested urgent assistance from colleagues and PAVA spray and hand strikes were used to subdue the suspect.

"A 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker, and is currently in custody.

"The injured officer has been taken to hospital to be checked over."