A probe launched after a teenage cyclist suffered severe injuries while being arrested has established the 15-year-old was “pushed from his bicycle by a police officer”.
On Wednesday (November 22) at around 9pm, officers from Metropolitan Police tried to detain Terrell Decosta Jones-Burton following reports of a mobile phone robbery in Bermondsey.
During the arrest, the teenage cyclist “came off his bike” and suffered severe injuries, which reportedly included bruising on the brain, a broken gum and missing teeth.
After an Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) probe was launched later that day, investigators obtained CCTV footage which now suggests the teenager was pushed off his bike.
Police under scrutiny
In an updated statement, IPCC associate commissioner Tom Milsom said: “Understandably, concerns have been raised within the community about how this teenager came by his injuries.
“I want to assure everybody that our independent investigation will rigorously examine the evidence we gather, to establish what took place.
“Our investigators have obtained CCTV and body worn video footage and begun analysing it.
“We have established that the teenager was pushed from his bicycle by a police officer who was in the area responding to reports of the theft of a mobile phone.”
Speaking after the incident in Southwark Park Road, Terrell's mother Shereen Jones called for justice for her injured son, who lives in South Bermondsey.
“He has no criminal record and no involvement with the police,” Ms Jones wrote on social media.
“On his way to the hospital, in the ambulance, he had a seizure – it has been confirmed that he has bruising on the brain and the bone inside the gum has been broken.
“The police are accusing Terrell of the robbery of a mobile phone. Was all of this necessary over a phone? Police brutality on young black boys has to stop.”
On Friday (November 24), Mr Milsom appealed to anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward and help the IPCC with its investigation.
“We will be conducted house to house enquiries in the area and would again ask for the co-operation of anyone who may have witnessed the event," he said.
“We have received the initial accounts provided by the officers, potential witnesses are being contacted, house to house enquiries will be taking place and the IPCC will be issuing witness appeal flyers and installing a witness appeal board at the scene.
He added: “We have made contact with the teenager's family and will be providing them with regular updates as the investigation progresses.
“Our investigators will review the information that was available to officers prior to contact with the teenager and examine the extent of the force used to detain him.
“We will also be looking at the care provided after he was knocked off his bicycle.”
Witnesses of the incident can contact the IPCC on 0800 029 4687 or by emailing southwarkparkroad@ipcc.gsi.gov.uk.
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