The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has announced that it will launch an investigation into an incident where a 13-year-old boy was surrounded by armed police officers after his water pistol was mistaken for a gun. The boy, who is black, was riding his bike in Hackney in July when the incident occurred.
According to the Alliance for Police Accountability (APA), the boy was engaged in a water fight with his sibling when a police officer on patrol reported a potential firearms incident. Subsequently, a police van allegedly knocked the boy off his bicycle before he was confronted by armed police officers who pointed their firearms at him. The boy was then arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm but was soon “de-arrested” at the scene.
The IOPC initially stated that the Metropolitan Police (Met) should handle the investigation, but after the boy’s mother raised concerns, they have decided to launch their own inquiry. The Met has apologised for the distress caused by the incident.
IOPC regional director for London, Charmaine Arbouin, emphasised the importance of investigating this “distressing incident” and acknowledged the concerns expressed by the local community. She stated that the independent investigation will enhance transparency and provide assurance to the child’s mother that her concerns have been heard.
Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway, responsible for policing in Hackney and Tower Hamlets, acknowledged the distress caused to the boy and his family by the incident. In an attempt to clarify the police response, he explained that an unarmed officer observed a male on a bicycle who appeared to be pointing a handgun at a young girl. Specialist firearms officers were then called to the scene and located a boy matching the officer’s description riding an electric pedal cycle nearby. To stop the cyclist, the tactic of using a vehicle was employed, causing the boy to fall off his bike. The boy was subsequently handcuffed and detained, but it soon became clear that he was not in possession of a firearm. The officers de-arrested him at the scene. It was later confirmed by the boy’s family that he had been playing with a toy water gun earlier.
Conway highlighted that officers often have to make split-second decisions based on limited information and emphasised the importance of treating all firearms as real and loaded until proven otherwise. He also mentioned that the actions of the officers involved were reviewed by the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards, and no misconduct was identified. Additionally, a public complaint has been received and is currently being investigated.
The incident has prompted support for the boy and his family, including a review of the safeguarding support provided by the independently chaired Safeguarding Children Partnership. Detective Chief Superintendent Conway expressed his willingness to meet with the family again if they felt it would be helpful and expressed apologies for the trauma caused.
The IOPC’s independent investigation aims to shed light on the incident and address concerns within the community. As the investigation progresses, the hope is that it will provide clarity and reassurance for all involved.
