Police Sorry Over Alleged Attack On Autism Sufferer

5 March 2014, 16:48 | Updated: 5 March 2014, 16:53

Bedfordshire Police have offered their apologies to the family of a man who suffers from severe autism, after claims two officers carried out an unprovoked assault on him.

The community in Luton gathered yesterday (Tues 4th March) to speak with Bedfordshire police after claims Faruk Ali was dragged by two officers - and even punched - on the 20th of February.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission have told heart they won't be running an investigation - but - they will be supervising the investigation by Bedfordshire Police into themselves.

Today - Bedfordshire Police have said sorry for the distress Mr Ali and his family feel regarding the actions officers took due to their concerns for Mr Ali’s wellbeing on February 20 in Whitby Road, Luton.

In a statement to Heart: "This incident is being taken seriously and an investigation has been launched by the Beds, Cambs and Herts Professional Standards Department which will be supervised by the IPCC. A senior officer from Luton Police Station has spoken with the Ali family directly to reassure them their concerns are being fully addressed. They will be continually and fully updated as the facts of what happened are established.

Bedfordshire Police is aware that concerns from the wider community have also been made and will form part of the investigation. Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact 101 in confidence.

All front line officers receive Disability Awareness training in order to assist them when interacting with vulnerable people. Any findings from this investigation will be incorporated into the on-going development of officers. A review of the wider safeguarding measures available to the family is also underway with other statutory care providers and partner organisations.

The two officers involved have been placed on restricted duties whilst the investigation is underway."