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Two women protesters were grabbed by the necks and wrestled to the ground by police after challenging the officers to identify their badge numbers, it was revealed today.
Following the exchange, which was caught on surveillance unit footage forwarded to the police watchdog, the two women were arrested and held in prison for four days.
Val Swain, 43, and Emily Apple, 33, both mothers with young children, had approached officers at last year's Climate Camp demonstration in Kent, after spotting four who were not displaying their identity numbers.
The women believe they were targeted at the demonstration against the Kingsnorth power station on 8 August because they campaign for Fit Watch, a group that opposes police surveillance at protests.
A police surveillance unit began filming their interaction with the West Yorkshire Police officers. After the officer's repeated refusals to show his number, Ms Apple asked Ms Swain to photograph the officer. “I'd like a picture so I can make a complaint,” she said. “It's West Yorkshire police — no number.”
Moments later, the pair were wrestled to the ground. They were told had been arrested over assault and obstruction. Ms Swain was wrapped with restraint belts before being carried into a police van. An officer placed his hand around Ms Apple's neck, and lifted her head for the surveillance cameras.
The Independent Police Complains Commission is investigating. Kent police said it could not comment.
Reader views (7)
In every situation I have had to deal with them they have either been inept or abusive. I have lived everywhere from Austria to New Zealand and I have only revieved this abuse and indifference in this facist police state.
- Mike, Cambridge, 28/07/2009 17:50
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What's new? The police in this country have been at it for years.
I've seen some pretty sickening things in my life and many of them have come from our wonderful 1984, stasi police force
- Lb, London, 28/07/2009 16:50
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I normally support the Police unreservedly, but after watching the video of this incident which was taken by the Police I am disgusted. 4 or 5 burly Policemen manhandle in a pretty brutal way a couple of women who presented no physical threat to them. Moreover these women had a point and as we saw at the G20 protests policemen refusing to display their identification as per regulations are a danger to the public.
- Mark, London, 28/07/2009 16:50
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This is just another example of the Police Service (or is it police force) depending on which area of the country you are in who are completely out of control. It is perfectly clear that certain officers, a small number act with no regard for the rights of anyone when on duty. Police have to be and must be accountable in this case clearly they are not. It is perfectly clear that we are now more than ever moving closer and closer to a police state, where, police act in what ever way they want with no regard to their superior officers r the rights of the individual. Officers who act in this way must be dismissed from their job and prosecuted to set an example to others. This small minority of rouge officers brings down the work of others who do a good honest job!
- Robert Jackson, London, London, 28/07/2009 16:50
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The antics of certain police officers gives me the distinct impression they believe they are upholding a jackboot autocracy.
- Reuben Camara, Morecambe UK, 28/07/2009 16:50
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Make it law that a policeman not wearing his number is no legally "a constable in uniform". That would remove a lot of his powers.
Whilst we're at it, make airline security staff wear numbers too, so their aggression and rudeness can be dealt with too.
- David In Teddington, Teddington, 28/07/2009 16:50
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I recall three or so years ago, a host of yellow jacketed 'Captain Biffos' using truncheons on pro-hunt protesters, a very English, & peaceful, protest. I don't remember much protest from Londoners at the time. I also around that time, challenged a customs officer at Dover who had no visible identification & who I considered arrogant & supercilious, he told me he did not have to produce ID, which I didn't believe, but had to accept as I had a ferry to catch. Plus ca change, plus ca meme chose.
- Peter G West, Corio, Victorio, Australia, 28/07/2009 16:50
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