Coronavirus: Police officer suspended after threatening to ‘make something up’ to arrest man he suspected of breaching lockdown

Lancashire Police apologise and promise to investigate incident in Accrington

A policeman has been suspended after threatening to “make something up” to arrest a member of the public he suspected of breaking the coronavirus lockdown rules.

In footage of the confrontation – which took place in Accrington, Lancashire – the officer threatens to fabricate an offence against a young man in the street.

“I’ll lock you up,” the policeman said, while squaring up to the man. “We’ll do that, shall we ... I’ll make something up.”

“Who are they going to believe? Me or you?” he said twice.

The man involved told officers he was out picking up a quad bike he had bought when he was pulled over by police.

In the video, the driver is heard saying: “You’re harassing me, what for? I’ve done nothing wrong...”

Lancashire Police have now suspended the officer, who has not been identified, and issued an apology for his “completely unacceptable” language and behaviour.

The force has also launched an investigation and referred the matter to a police watchdog.

In a statement, Lancashire Police said: “We absolutely recognise the impact this footage has had on public confidence and following an initial review by our Professional Standards Department the officer involved has today (Monday April 20) been suspended from duty.

“We have also taken the decision to voluntarily refer the matter to the Independent Office of Police Conduct.

“We hope these actions go some way to reassuring the public how seriously we are treating this matter.

“We will be speaking to the man in the footage to keep him fully informed regarding the actions we are taking.”

Chief constable Andy Rhodes from Lancashire Police said the force would be speaking to the man in the footage over the coming days “to keep him fully informed regarding the actions we are taking”.