The Met Police has referred itself to the police watchdog after a pro-Palestine supporter appeared to be filmed being repeatedly punched in the face by an officer in Whitechapel.
Footage shared to X on Friday, July 12 appeared to show a man holding a Palestine flag being approached by Metropolitan Police officers before an altercation.
The man was shown being tackled to the floor by police and the video appears to capture him being punched repeatedly.
Labour MP for Bethnal Green and Stepney Rushanara Ali said she was "deeply concerned" and demanded police in Tower Hamlets provide an "urgent explanation" about the incident in Whitechapel Road.
Det Ch Supt James Conway has written to Tower Hamlets residents about the incident (Image: Julia Gregory)
Det Ch Supt James Conway, Tower Hamlets borough commander, said in a statement that a PCSO called for assistance in Whitechapel while dealing with a member of the public about a traffic-related issue.
He said that the member of the public was then alleged to have assaulted a PCSO and they were arrested in connection with this.
The footage of the arrest was what was posted onto social media, according to Det Ch Supt Conway.
In the video, a person behind the camera can be heard asking: "Why are you punching him?"
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Det Ch Supt Conway said that the arrest did not relate to protest activity, unconnected to the display of the Palestinian flag or any political statements made.
He confirmed that the force has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) over the incident.
The commander also wrote an open letter to Ajmal Masroor, who stood as an independent candidate to be Bethnal Green and Stepney MP at this month's general election, and Tower Hamlets residents.
Mr Masroor had accused police of "outrageous brutality" regards the incident.
"We need an urgent and immediate explanation," he added on X.
Det Ch Supt Conway said in the letter he had received "a large number of emails" from residents and those further afield, admitting that he recognised the strength of community concern.
"I know people have strong views about the footage they have seen on social media and these robust investigations will now consider all of the relevant material from the wider incident to assist in reaching a conclusion.
"If standards have not been met then action will be taken," he added.
The arrested person has been released on bail whilst a police investigation into the alleged assault continues.
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