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IOPC investigating fare evasion arrest incident in Croydon

Factual summary of a published IOPC investigation, covering the incident, key findings and outcome.

All IOPC reports
Published
2023-07-25
Investigation type
independent
Force involved
Metropolitan Police Service

What was investigated

We will be investigating the actions of the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) following an incident where a woman was handcuffed in Croydon on 21 July. We received a complaint referral from the MPS alleging that the woman was racially profiled and verbally abused by an officer.

Key findings

  • The woman was arrested on suspicion of fare evasion.
  • The arrest was widely shared on social media, raising community concerns.
  • The woman, who is Black, claimed racial profiling occurred during the arrest.
  • An investigation was initiated following a complaint referral from the MPS.

Outcome

An independent investigation is required to establish the full circumstances regarding the actions of the MPS officers.

Read the full report on policeconduct.gov.uk

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Reviewed by the BlueLineHub Editorial Team
Last reviewed: 14 July 2026 · Next review due: 14 January 2027

This is a factual summary of a report published by the Independent Office for Police Conduct. Individuals are referred to exactly as the source report anonymises them. BlueLineHub is independent and not affiliated with the IOPC · Summarised 2026-07-14.