Police have apologised after a video emerged of an officer threatening to 'make something up' and arrest a man.

Footage was widely shared on social media yesterday of a confrontation between a police officer and a member of the public in Accrington, Lancashire.

It is not clear why the man has been stopped by police, but he can be heard claiming to be 'harassed', our sister title LancsLive reports.

The police officer can be seen stepping close to the man saying: "If you want to f*cking step to me, and push your chest out and something like that then fine, I'll lock you up. We'll do that shall we?"

When the member of the public then protests his innocence, insisting he has done nothing wrong, the police officer then adds: "I'll make something up. Public order. Squaring up to a police officer. Shall I do that?

(Image: LancsLive)

"Who are they going to believe me or you? Who are they going to believe me or you?"

Lancashire Police have now issued an official response to the video, confirming the matter is being investigated.

The force added that it was clear that the member of the public 'deserves an apology'.

A spokesperson for Lancashire Police said: "We are already aware of footage circulating on social media regarding an officer's actions during an incident in Accrington yesterday (Friday, April 17).

"The matter is being investigated and has been referred to our professional standards department.

"It is clear from the footage the member of the public deserves an apology which we will attempt to provide him with today."