Development in Unlawful Arrest Incident in Croydon

On the 8th of August 2023,  we released a statement confirming that we are acting on behalf of a woman who was wrongly detained and handcuffed by Metropolitan Police Offices after exiting a bus in Croydon. 

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has now confirmed further complaints from the woman involved relating to the treatment she and her son received during the incident have been submitted. As a result, a criminal investigation has been opened into the actions of MPS officers and staff during their interactions with the woman and her son. 

The investigation relates to an incident on Friday, 21st July, at approximately 11:12 am, when a black woman was detained and handcuffed by Metropolitan Police Officers after exiting bus 157 on Whitehorse Road, Croydon. The woman was detained on suspicion of fare evasion, although she had a valid ticket. During the incident, the woman was grabbed by officers, handcuffed, and insulted. The woman was with her young child, who was very distressed. Footage of some of the incidents has been widely shared on social media.

In a statement, Jade Brown, Solicitor, acting for the woman at the centre of this complaint and her son, said: "The woman at the centre of this incident and her son have been severely impacted by this incident along with her wider family. The family have been informed of the IOPC’s decision to conduct a criminal investigation, which is welcomed, and we await its outcome.

“We continue to ask for any witnesses to contact us directly if for any reason you do not want to speak directly to the IOPC. We would also be grateful to receive any footage that any witnesses may have that may assist the investigation.”

For any media enquires, please contact taylorrose@secnewgate.co.uk