The commissioner of the Maldives Police Service has apologised to a British tourist who was videoed being dragged off a beach by officers.

In the footage, several officers can be seen forcefully detaining the woman, who can be heard screaming 'you're sexually assaulting me' as she resists being handcuffed.

The video has since gone viral and police commissioner Mohamed Hameed has apologised to the tourist in a tweet, in which he described the incident as 'badly handled'.

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In a statement, police confirmed that officers were called to reports of an 'inappropriately clad' and 'inebriated' female tourist on the island of Maafushi and said visitors were asked to 'respect the community's cultural sensitivities'.

Incident in Maafushi in which our officers restrained a female tourist seems to be badly handled. I apologise to the tourist & the public for this. The challenge I have taken up is to professionalise the police service & we are working on that. This matter is being investigated.

- Mohamed Hameed (@M_Hameedh) February 6, 2020

The statement read: "On 6th of February 2020 at approximately 17.48hrs, the local police on the island of Maafushi received a complaint from a member of the public that a female tourist, who was inappropriately clad and alleged to have been inebriated, was walking on the island's main road.

"Tourists on local islands are requested to respect the communities cultural sensitivities and local regulations by restricting the wearing of swimwear to certain areas of the island where local communities live.



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"Three officers approached the tourist and requested her to comply with the local regulations. However, she refused to comply and showed resistance. She was then detained and taken to Maafushi Police station.

"She was released from the station at approximately 19.10hrs that evening without any charges.

The police have apologised for the 'regretful' way in which the incident was handled. Credit: PA

"Maldives Police Services sincerely apologises to the tourist and the public for the regretful manner in which this incident took place.

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"A full inquiry has been initiated to ensure that disproportionate measures are not implemented in such situations and assures the public and the family that action will be taken against any violations following the findings of the inquiry.

"A team of the Professional Standards Command of the Maldives Police Service was dispatched to Maafusi last night and is expected to report to the Commissioner on its findings in the next two days.