A North Yorkshire Police Officer has been suspended for ‘use of force’ in relation to an arrest made on January 26 in Tockwith.

Police were called to a road traffic collision in the village of Tockwith on January 26.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: “Officers arrested a man in his 40s in connection with the incident.”

Police said the suspect became violent when being arrested which led to officers using ‘force’ to restrain him. He was taken into custody but was released on bail as enquiries into the incident continue.

Following concern by the public on the officer’s use of ‘force’, the North Yorkshire Police force have referred the incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct(IOPC) who have produced a review stating that “the man was pepper sprayed”. Subsequently, one officer has been suspended from duty and is being investigated.

This investigation will focus on whether the level of force used to restrain the man was appropriate in the situation.

North Yorkshire Police released a statement saying: “We want to reassure our communities that we take concerns of this nature very seriously and will continue to work closely with the IOPC.”