Investigation begins on wheelchair attack at student demo

Thursday, 16 December 2010 12:00 AM

By Ian Dunt

An investigation has been authorised into the alleged police attack on wheelchair user Jody McIntyre at last week's student demonstration.

Mr McIntyre, who suffers from cerebral palsy, featured in a widely-distributed video from the day, in which he appears to be taken out of his wheelchair by two policemen and dragged across the street.

"There is no doubt that this footage is disturbing and it is right that is should be thoroughly investigated, both for Mr McIntyre and in the wider public interest," Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) commissioner for London Deborah Glass said.

The investigation will be conducted by the Met's Directorate of Professional Standards, under the supervision of the IPCC.

"Supervising an investigation gives the IPCC the power to set the terms of reference for the investigation, which means we can also make sure that Mr McIntyre is consulted right from the start," she continued.

Meanwhile, the investigation into Alfie Meadows, who suffered a serious head injury following a baton attack, is ongoing.

The IPCC said investigators are examining CCTV of the area and working to identify witnesses.

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