Six Met Officers Investigated Over Stop and Search of Black Child

UK IOPC News

Filed April 1st, 2026

Detected April 1st, 2026

Summary

The IOPC is investigating six Met Police officers over the stop and search of a 16-year-old Black child in Tottenham on 26 April 2025. The child suffered a fractured knee after being forcibly removed from an e-bike; he was searched, nothing was found, and he was subsequently arrested on suspicion of multiple offences. Three officers face criminal investigation for assault and related offences under the Serious Crime Act 2007.

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What changed

The IOPC has opened an investigation into six Met Police officers following a stop and search incident in Tottenham where a Black 16-year-old boy was forcibly removed from an e-bike, searched, and later arrested. The boy's knee was injured (later diagnosed as fractured), and the IOPC is examining whether race or age influenced officer conduct, the force used, and the aftercare provided. Three officers are being criminally investigated—one for potential assault occasioning grievous bodily harm or actual bodily harm, and two for intentionally encouraging or assisting an offence under section 44 of the Serious Crime Act 2007. All six officers face potential gross misconduct proceedings.

Police forces and officers should note that the IOPC is actively scrutinising stop and search practices, particularly where children are involved and where force results in injury. Officers must ensure stop and search powers are exercised proportionately and that appropriate aftercare, including first aid, is provided. The investigation remains ongoing; officers will be interviewed under caution, and the IOPC will determine whether to refer any officers to the Crown Prosecution Service for charging decisions.

Penalties

Officers may face criminal referral to the Crown Prosecution Service and/or disciplinary proceedings for gross misconduct if the IOPC determines grounds exist following the investigation.

Source document (simplified)

IOPC investigates six Met officers over stop and search of Black child

Published: 01 Apr 2026 News The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the actions of six Met Police officers over the stop and search of a Black child in Tottenham in April 2025.

We began an investigation in November following the Met’s mandatory referral of a complaint made on behalf of the boy, who was aged 16, about his treatment by officers.

We have established that, at around 2pm on 26 April, an officer – who stated they were concerned at the boy’s manner of riding and general behaviour – used force to remove the boy from an electric bike (e-bike) as he rode along  Northumberland Park Avenue.

In the process, the boy’s knee was injured. He was searched, nothing was found, the battery was removed from his e-bike and officers said he was free to go.

The boy remained at the scene and was interacting with a different group of officers. A short time later the initial six officers returned to the scene, and they arrested him on suspicion of racially aggravated public order, threats to kill and dangerous driving.

He was taken into police custody where, following a medical examination, his detention was refused so he could receive immediate medical attention. Officers took him to hospital, where he was diagnosed with a fractured knee.

Our investigation includes looking at the decision-making and actions of the six officers who interacted with the boy during this incident; the force used; whether race or his age was a factor in their treatment of him; and the aftercare provided to him.

Since January, we have informed three police constables that they are being criminally investigated - one officer for potential offences of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm or actual bodily harm and the other two officers for intentionally encouraging or assisting an offence, contrary to section 44 of the Serious Crime Act 2007. They are also being investigated for potential gross misconduct.

Last week, we also advised a further three police constables that they are being investigated for potential misconduct. This is in relation to alleged failures to challenge the conduct of the other officers and their treatment of the boy.

IOPC Director Amanda Rowe: “The use of stop and search is an important policing tool, however it must be used proportionately.

“This is a serious case where a child has been injured as a result of force being used and we are investigating the officers’ actions in this case and their treatment of the child, who was not provided with immediate first aid.

“We have been in contact with the boy’s family and obtained further evidence to assist our investigation. We will continue to keep all parties updated as the investigation progresses.”

As part of our investigation, we have viewed officers’ body-worn video, obtained accounts from some of the officers involved, a statement from the boy and reviewed medical evidence. The officers will be interviewed under caution, and we are currently obtaining further witness statements.

The serving of notices does not mean that criminal or disciplinary proceedings will necessarily take place. At the end of our investigation, we will decide whether any officers should be referred to the Crown Prosecution Service for a potential charging decision and whether any officers should face disciplinary proceedings.

Tags
- Metropolitan Police Service
- Use of force and armed policing
- Discrimination