IOPC investigation into use of force on teenage boy in Tottenham concludes
Factual summary of a published IOPC investigation, covering the incident, key findings and outcome.
All IOPC reports
- Published
- 2021-11-17
- Investigation type
- independent
- Force involved
- Metropolitan Police Service
What was investigated
An investigation began following a complaint about the use of force on a teenage boy outside a school in Tottenham. Footage showed an officer attempting to handcuff the boy, which escalated into a confrontation.
Key findings
- The officer had a case to answer for gross misconduct.
- The use of force was not necessary, reasonable or proportionate.
- There were not reasonable grounds for searching the boy.
- The officer's attitude towards the boy was potentially disrespectful.
- Race and age bias could not be ruled out.
- Another officer did not de-escalate the situation and used unprofessional language.
Outcome
The officer will face gross misconduct proceedings. An independent panel later found that the conduct amounted to gross misconduct.
Related on BlueLineHub
- Accountability hub — how oversight of UK policing works
- IOPC outcomes & learning feed
- Metropolitan Police Service force profile
Reviewed by the BlueLineHub Editorial Team
Last reviewed: 13 July 2026 · Next review due: 13 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 2026-07-13.