OFFICERS who arrested an anti-facist protester at a controversial rally in Bolton are being investigated by a police watchdog.
Charges of threatening behaviour against a protester were dropped when video footage emerged which appeared to show riot police attacking demonstrator Alan Clough, aged 63, during his arrest at the English Defence League (EDL) protest in March.
Greater Manchester Police launched an internal inquiry after the footage emerged.
Now that investigation has been taken over by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).
IPCC Commissioner Naseem Malik said: “The footage of Mr Clough’s arrest has been aired in the media and has caused concern among the public. It is in the public interest that the IPCC is involved in an investigation into this incident.
“The investigation will examine the level of force used on Mr Clough and the apparent difference between the footage and the account given by officers which resulted in criminal charges against Mr Clough.”
One part of the probe will examine the actions of three officers who are shown on the footage and appear to be delivering blows.
The wider investigation will examine whether officers plotted to charge Mr Clough with an offence which was later dropped, the IPCC confirmed.
Police have revealed that they received a complaint about the arrest of Mr Clough on March 21.
But the Professional Standards Branch held off its investigation into the complaint, pending the outcome of criminal proceedings against Mr Clough, a police spokesman said.
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