Six Essex Police officers face a criminal investigation following an incident in which a man lost the tips of three fingers while in custody at Colchester police station.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has revealed today it has told the serving officers they are being investigated for assault.
They also face an internal police allegation of excessive force which, if proven, could amount to gross misconduct – and therefore possible dismissal.
A 33-year-old man was taken into the cells on May 1 and grabbed hold of a toilet bowl during a struggle with officers, leading to his fingers being ripped off.
His finger tips could not be saved.
An Essex Police spokesman said: “Following an incident during which a man was injured in Colchester Police Station, one officer was placed on restricted duties.
“It would be inappropriate to comment further while an IPCC investigation is underway.”
The IPCC investigation is ongoing.
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