Police officer to face criminal investigation over use of baton against Sheffield Wednesday fan

A police officer who struck a Sheffield Wednesday fan over his head with a baton is the subject of a criminal investigation, it has been revealed.
By Claire Lewis
Published 20th Feb 2020, 11:17 GMT
Updated 20th Feb 2020, 15:15 GMT
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The Independent Office for Police Conduct assessed the incident after it was referred to the police watchdog by South Yorkshire Police.

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It has now been revealed that an independent investigation has been launched and that the officer concerned has been advised that he is the subject of a criminal investigation.

A Sheffield Wednesday fan was left bleeding after he was struck over the head by a police officer with a batonA Sheffield Wednesday fan was left bleeding after he was struck over the head by a police officer with a baton
A Sheffield Wednesday fan was left bleeding after he was struck over the head by a police officer with a baton
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The officer is also being investigated for gross misconduct.

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Mobile phone footage shared online showed a police officer striking a 16-year-old Sheffield Wednesday fan over his head, leaving him with a gaping head wound and covered in blood, after the Owls played Barnsley FC away at Oakwell on Saturday, February 8.

Police officers were monitoring fans at the time as they made their way from the football ground towards the transport interchange in the town.

In a statement, the IOPC said: “We have launched an independent investigation and advised a South Yorkshire Police officer that he is subject of a criminal investigation in relation to an incident following the Barnsley v Sheffield Wednesday football match on February 8, 2020.

“We will also investigate the officer for gross misconduct.

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“The investigation is in its initial stages and us launching a criminal investigation does not mean that charges will necessarily follow.”

The watchdog wants to hear from witnesses to the incident, which happened in Midland Street at around 3.40pm.

IOPC Regional Director, David Ford, said: “We understand why the images that were circulated caused considerable public concern. After the footage was shared on social media, a mandatory referral was made to us in relation to the conduct of the officer.

“It is vitally important that the circumstances of the incident are subject to an independent investigation so we can fully understand what happened and impartially determine the facts.

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“We have already begun to gather evidence, but would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident.”

Witnesses or anyone with information should send an email to [email protected] or call the IOPC on 0800 0969076.