IOPC investigating six Met officers after elderly woman handcuffed and put in spit hood
Factual summary of a published IOPC investigation, covering the incident, key findings and outcome.
- Published
- 2023-07-26
- Investigation type
- independent
- Force involved
- Metropolitan Police Service
What was investigated
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the actions of six Metropolitan Police Service officers following an incident in May where an elderly woman was handcuffed and had a spit hood applied in Peckham, south London. The investigation began after a conduct referral from the Metropolitan Police Service regarding potential breaches of professional behaviour and allegations of excessive force and discrimination against the woman.
Key findings
- Six officers are under investigation for potential gross misconduct.
- The woman was red-dotted with a Taser but it was not discharged.
- The woman was placed in handcuffs and a spit hood and was not arrested.
- Ambulance staff attended and took the woman to hospital still in handcuffs and a spit hood.
- The woman sustained cuts and bruising to her wrists and one arm due to the detention.
- There are allegations of discrimination based on race, gender, age, and disability.
- Body worn footage shows the woman was distressed and confused.
- Investigators have secured and reviewed police body worn video and hospital CCTV.
Outcome
The investigation is ongoing, and once complete, decisions will be made regarding potential criminal charges and disciplinary proceedings against the involved officers.
Related on BlueLineHub
- Accountability hub — how oversight of UK policing works
- IOPC outcomes & learning feed
- Metropolitan Police Service force profile
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.