ALLEGATIONS that police used excessive force in arresting a man are to be investigated after video of the incident was shared on Facebook.

Northumbria Police has voluntarily referred itself to the Independent Police Complaints Commission in relation to the incident in South Shields in the early hours of Friday, July 29.

Three police officers were involved in the arrest of a man during a disturbance in Stanhope Road, which was filmed by a witness and the footage shared on social media.

The force launched its own internal investigation and has today announced that it has referred the matter to the police watchdog.

Superintendent Ged Noble, southern area commander in chief with Northumbria Police, said: “We have taken the decision to voluntarily refer this matter to the Independent Police Complaints Commission because we are an open and transparent police force.

“We also want to reassure all sections of our communities that this investigation will be managed independently and impartially.

“The decision to voluntarily refer the matter should not be interpreted as a finding of wrongdoing – that is for the IPCC to establish.

“But I am very aware of the concerns that have been raised in social media and the potential impact, this could have with public confidence, which is something that we take very seriously.

“This is why we have taken the decision today to make this referral.”