Deputy mayor 'horrified' by clip of police seemingly punching teenagers at South Yorkshire school leaving do
“It is shocking and I know people will be distressed by it”
South Yorkshire’s deputy mayor for policing and crime says she is “horrified” by online footage seemingly showing police assaulting teenage girls at a school leaving do.
A viral clip shared on social media allegedly shows officers pulling tasers on a group of teenagers, getting into a shoving match with a group of young girls and pulling out a baton.
Further clips appear to show officers accusing girls of “disturbing the peace” and punching them in the face or knocking them to the ground.
It has prompted widespread criticism, with a South Yorkshire Police spokesperson labelling them “nothing short of shocking” and promising an investigation.
Now, Deputy mayor of policing and crime in South Yorkshire, Kilvinder Vigurs, says the footage has “horrified” her and officials.
"I am horrified by the footage from Rawmarsh that has been shared on social media. It is shocking and I know people will be distressed by it,” she said in a statement.
“A full review is now underway by South Yorkshire Police, including body-worn video, to establish exactly what happened not only during the incident, but before and after. That work is being undertaken as a matter of urgency.
"I do not want to prejudge any investigation, but my clear expectation, and that of the public, is that officers uphold the highest standards of professional conduct. When police use force it must be done reasonably and proportionately. It is essential for public confidence that any instances where this is not the case are dealt with swiftly and robustly.
“The public must have confidence that policing in South Yorkshire is fair and accountable, especially when it involves young people.”