West Yorkshire Police launch investigation after police officer appears to kneel on Leeds United fan's head at Elland Road

An investigation has been launched after footage posted online showed a police officer kneeling on a Leeds United fan's head at Elland Road on Saturday.
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Police arrested a 17-year-old boy outside the ground at 5.10pm, shortly after the Whites were confirmed as champions following Brentford's defeat to Stoke.

The youth was later released and given a youth community resolution order.

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Footage posted on Instagram shows several police officers on top of the boy, who appears to be struggling.

Leeds United fans celebrate at Elland Road on Saturday.Leeds United fans celebrate at Elland Road on Saturday.
Leeds United fans celebrate at Elland Road on Saturday.

One officer sprays pepper spray onto his face.

Another officer is then seen with his knee on the boy's head.

Another fan is heard shouting "get off him" and "get your knee off his head".

Assistant chief constable Catherine Hankinson said: "The officer involved has been removed from front-line operational duties at this time.”

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She added: "Officers were in attendance at Elland Road football stadium on Saturday, July 18 at around 5.10pm.

“A 17-year-old male was arrested for a public order offence and obstructing a PC.

"He has since been released from custody and given a youth community resolution order.

“This morning, we have been made aware of a video showing the arrest of the male. We have reviewed the footage and looked into it as a matter of urgency to establish the full circumstances.

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"We have reviewed body worn footage, and the actions of the officers involved and a referral has been made to the force’s Professional Standards Directorate.

“Our investigation remains ongoing and we have made a voluntarily referral to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC. "

An IOPC spokesman said: "We have received a referral from West Yorkshire following an incident in Leeds on 17 July, during which a 17 year old boy was arrested.

"The referral will now be assessed to determine if IOPC involvement in any investigation is required."

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A female police officer and 15 members of the public were injured during celebrations in Millennium Square on Sunday.

West Yorkshire Police said that almost 7,000 people gathered in the square in Leeds to celebrate promotion and the 'vast majority of fans were enjoying themselves and celebrating'.

However, police said there was a 'small minority' who threw bottles at police officers.

A female officer suffered a serious head injury and required hospital treatment, police said.

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