TOUGH JUSTICE OR TOO FAR?

Shocking video of cops rugby-tackling teenagers during playing field riot sparks probe

The incident, in Taunton, Somerset, was filmed by one of the teens involved in the scuffle

Corey Charlton

Published: 12:37, 27 May 2017
Updated: 11:21, 28 May 2017

SHOCKING video has emerged showing cops rugby tackling teenagers when a confrontation between the two groups spirals out of control.

The incident, in Taunton, Somerset, appears to have been filmed by one of the youths involved in the scuffle.

The incident began when a row between officers and teens spiralled out of control — The incident began when a row between officers and teens spiralled out of controlCredit: UKNIP

It worsened when pushing and shoving started — It worsened when pushing and shoving startedCredit: UKNIP

A girl is then shoved by a running cop — A girl is then shoved by a running copCredit: UKNIP

The confrontation then turned into a free-for-all — The confrontation then turned into a free-for-allCredit: UKNIP

It starts in the midst of the group of teens facing off with police, who appear to repeatedly tell the youths to "f*** off" and "go home".

It then escalates when another officer joins the group and begins pushing one of the teens.

Eventually a scuffle occurs off-camera and the footage pans to show a cop pinning one of them to the ground.

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The argument then descends into a full-blown brawl, with pairs of cops and teens wrestling with each other.

A cop even makes a running tackle on one teenager moments after he pushes a fellow cop.

The video was shared on Facebook and was captioned: "These are the people that are supposed to protect us..."

A teen then appears to shove one of the officers — A teen then appears to shove one of the officersCredit: UKNIP

But another officer spots him in the distance — But another officer spots him in the distanceCredit: UKNIP

He's then taken down in a rugby-style tackle — He's then taken down in a rugby-style tackleCredit: UKNIP

Avon and Somerset police said: "We’re aware of a video posted on Facebook which shows officers detaining and arresting a number of people in Taunton.

"While we welcome and expect public scrutiny when officers are out serving our communities, we also ask people not to jump to conclusions without knowing the full facts.

"At 5.29pm today we responded to a report a woman was being assaulted in Victoria Park.

Cops later made five arrests, and said they were called to the scene after a report of assault — Cops later made five arrests, and said they were called to the scene after a report of assaultCredit: UKNIP

"On arrival a large group of young people refused to co-operate with officers and five people between the ages of 15 and 34 were subsequently detained on suspicion of affray.

"The 18-year-old assault victim we were originally called to assist is currently in hospital receiving treatment for a number of injuries.

"An investigation is now underway and we’d ask people not to speculate while it takes place.

"Body worn video was worn by officers during the incident and will be reviewed as part of the inquiry.

"We expect the highest level of professionalism and diligence from all our officers and staff when on duty."

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Topics

Somerset