Man arrested on suspicion of assaulting police officer after confrontation at Meadowhall

The arrest is understood to have taken place after a group of people refused to wear face coverings or leave the shopping centre in Sheffield, telling police and security guards that they were exempt and were not required by law to carry an exemption card.

A video shared online shows a number of people arguing with police and security officers, before complaining about their treatment after an attempt to forcibly remove one of the group from the premises.

A police spokeswoman said: “Officers from our Meadowhall Policing Team were on routine patrol in the centre on June 5 when they were approached by a group of people.

Beloved Sheffield mum, 29, and three children died in horror head-on crash with HGV

“Due to concerns around the activity of the group, they had been requested to leave the premises by security. The group had refused to leave and engaged in a verbal confrontation with security staff.

“As security attempted to eject a member of the group, assisted by police, an officer was assaulted.

“One man, aged 59, was subsequently arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency service worker. He has been released under investigation pending further enquiries.”

Members of public stopped traffic after boy, 16, ‘seriously injured’ in Sheffield car crash

In the video footage, a man can be seen showing minor injuries to his leg and arm, which he claims were caused during the incident. The man claims he was arrested and then ‘de-arrested’.

South Yorkshire Police said no complaint had been received about the conduct of its officers involved in the incident.

A spokeswoman for Meadowhall said it is supporting police with their investigation.