ShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleAdina Campbell UK CorrespondentGetty ImagesThe investigation follows a complaint which was referred by the Met to the IOPCSix Metropolitan Police officers are being investigated after a black child suffered a broken knee during a stop and search in north London, the police watchdog has said.
The boy, who was aged 16 at the time, was forced off his electric bike by an officer over concerns about his behaviour as he rode along Northumberland Park in Tottenham in April 2025, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said.
The IOPC launched an investigation in November, looking at the level of force used, whether race or the child's age was a factor in their treatment of him, and the aftercare provided to him.
The Met, which said the allegations were "concerning", made a mandatory referral to the IOPC of a complaint made on behalf of the boy about his treatment by officers.
Nothing was found in the search before officers removed the battery from his electric bike and told him he could leave.
But they returned a short time later and arrested him on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence, threats to kill and dangerous driving.
The officers attempted to take him into custody but this was refused and they were told to take him to hospital, where he was diagnosed with a fractured knee, according to the IOPC.
Since January, three police constables are being criminally investigated - one officer for potential offences of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm or actual bodily harm and the other two officers for intentionally encouraging or assisting an offence, contrary to section 44 of the Serious Crime Act 2007. They are also being investigated for potential gross misconduct.
A further three police constables are being investigated for potential misconduct in relation to alleged failures to challenge the conduct of the other officers and their treatment of the boy.
Det Spt Marco Bardetti said: "These are serious allegations which will be concerning to the public. It is important an independent and thorough investigation be carried out to ensure all of the circumstances can be fully examined."
Bardetti said he recognised the concern caused by incidents of this nature, adding: "We remain committed to maintaining an open dialogue and providing reassurance to the community while the investigation progresses."
IOPC director Amanda Rowe said: "The use of stop and search is an important policing tool, however it must be used proportionately.
"This is a serious case where a child has been injured as a result of force being used and we are investigating the officers' actions in this case and their treatment of the child, who was not provided with immediate first aid.
"We have been in contact with the boy's family and obtained further evidence to assist our investigation. We will continue to keep all parties updated as the investigation progresses.
"As part of our investigation, we have viewed officers' body-worn video, obtained accounts from some of the officers involved, a statement from the boy and reviewed medical evidence.
"The officers will be interviewed under caution, and we are currently obtaining further witness statements."
Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk
