News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

A police officer is seen striking a 14-year-old girl in the face during a violent arrest.

The male officer launched a palm strike into the teenager's head in a shocking video clip now being widely shared on social media.

The girl and a woman, 52, were arrested on suspicion of assaulting police after the incident in Accrington, Lancashire yesterday afternoon.

Two officers required hospital treatment for cuts to their arms and heads following the melee, Lancashire Police said.

The force admitted the video clip "may appear concerning" but said all police are fully trained in restraint techniques and the officer used "reasonable force" when he struck the girl.

In the footage, the officers can be seen struggling to restrain the teenager as she wriggles and lashes out.

The male officer strikes the girl's head with an open palm.

(Image: Facebook)

A woman can be heard screaming "get off her" while a male voice cries "this man's smacking up a little girl... she was smacked... you are losing your job".

Meanwhile, onlookers brawl around each other as the police try to make their arrest.

Extra officers eventually arrive to hold back the crowd while the girl is cuffed as the footage cuts out.

Critics on social media said the officer used excessive force when he launched the palm strike on the girl's face.

One man wrote: "If (we'd) done that to one (of) our children they would take them and lock us up."

Another added: "We don’t see what lead to this situation but I don’t think it’s right a man slapping a 14-year-old child in the face. No need for this at all."

(Image: Facebook)

A woman asked: "I wonder how many people defending that officer would still defend him if it was your child in the video.

"If this was a parent doing it they'd be up for assault and have social services banging on the door. The police are not above the law."

But others came to the officer's defence.

Jade Davies wrote: "Don't resist arrest, have some respect then you won't get slapped or arrested.

"She was scratching that coppers face off... can use reasonable force legally and that's what he did."

Lancashire Police said in a statement: "At around 5.45pm last night, police officers were flagged down by a member of the public who reported that a large group of youths were fighting.

(Image: Facebook)

"The officers attended straightaway and when they arrived the group turned on them.

"As the officers dealt with the incident they used reasonable force to bring the situation under control.

"This involved the use of an open hand strike when a 14-year-old female attempted to grab the officer's taser and radio. She was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer."

Chief Constable Andy Rhodes added: “I am aware of the mobile phone footage of this incident and have reviewed it personally.

"My officers have responded as a result of a concerned member of the public and have been met by a very hostile situation.

"As they’ve brought the situation under control officers have been assaulted and have received medical treatment as a result.

(Image: Facebook)

"It is very easy to judge from the side lines without the full facts when you’ve never been in a similar situation yourself.

"These are your police officers and they are here to keep you safe. They do not come to work to be assaulted and they have my full support.

"Perhaps those filming the incident may have better used their time helping the officers to calm the situation.”

An earlier statement from the force said: "As a result of this incident, one officer sustained a bite wound to her arm and another suffered a cut to his head. They have both attended hospital for treatment.

"A 14-year-old girl and a 52-year-old woman have been arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer and are currently in custody.

"We understand this footage may appear concerning, however, officers are trained to use restraint techniques which may look shocking to untrained onlookers.

"A full investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident will take place in due course."