Five Officers Under Criminal Probe After Man Set on Fire Pepper Sprayed
Five Met Police officers are under criminal investigation after they pepper sprayed a man who had set his own clothes on fire. The man, in his mid-50s, lost consciousness and ended up in critical condition following the restraint and use of PAVA spray.
Chaos on Camden’s Euston Road
The shocking incident happened on April 3. Officers rushed to Euston Road after reports of a man behaving erratically and setting fire to his clothes. While being taken for medical assessment, the man became agitated, forcing officers to intervene.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said multiple officers restrained the man using PAVA spray, a common law enforcement incapacitant. The man then lost consciousness and needed urgent medical care. He was later discharged from hospital in May.
Criminal & Gross Misconduct Investigations Launched
As a result, five serving police constables now face criminal investigations for common assault. Some are also probed for more serious offences, including grievous bodily harm and non-fatal suffocation. In addition, all five officers face separate gross misconduct investigations.
Three more officers are under scrutiny over possible involvement related to the incident.
IOPC Boss Warns: Investigation Ongoing
“The serving of criminal or conduct notices on officers does not necessarily mean that criminal charges or disciplinary proceedings will follow. It’s important that we continue to carry out an independent and thorough investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident,” said Steve Noonan, IOPC director.
Noonan added that following their probe, the IOPC will decide whether to refer the case to the Crown Prosecution Service for potential charges and disciplinary action.
This case throws a spotlight on police use of force and handling of volatile situations, raising fresh questions about protocols and accountability within the Met.
