Published Date: 11.11.2011

An independent investigation has begun into allegations that a police officer assaulted an adult male following an incident in Bessbrook last week.

It is alleged that the officer punched the man while arresting him, and also assaulted him in a police vehicle while he was being transported to Lurgan police station.

Investigators from the Police Ombudsman's Office have seized items of clothing from the officer involved, and have examined the police car for evidence of assault. Interviews with the police officer, the male involved and any other potential witnesses will now be conducted in an effort to establish what happened.