Beds Cops Cleared Over Faruk Ali Charges

Two Bedfordshire Police officers have been cleared of all charges in connection with the detaining of a man with learning difficulties in Luton.

PCs Christopher Thomas, 33, and Christopher Pitts, 39, were charged after the incident involving Faruk Ali, 33, on February 20.

It was alleged the officers chased and beat the 33 year-old - who is said to have the mental age of 5. Faruk was said to have been grabbed outside his home, knocking over the bins by the house in Whitby Road - before he was punched in the face.

PC Thomas denied racially aggravated assault and both men denied two counts of misconduct in a public office. Both were today (Wednesday) cleared of all charges.

They had been cleared of perverting the course of justice during the trial.

Chief Constable Colette Paul said:

"We will review all of the evidence put forward during the trial. The force acted swiftly after receiving the allegations against these individuals and has supported the investigation throughout.

I regret any distress caused to Mr Ali, the officers involved and their respective families. However, it was right that this matter was referred to an independent investigation and that a due legal process was followed.

Both remain suspended pending the outcome of a misconduct investigation which is being carried out by Leicestershire Police and supervised by the Independent Police Complaints Commission."