A POLICE officer who used capsicum spray on a 13-year-old boy in northern Tasmania will be charged with assault.

The boy, who cannot be named, was sprayed in the face after a dispute involving a motorbike at Shorewell on January 26.

The incident was filmed and posted on video sharing website YouTube, sparking a review of the use of capsicum spray on minors.

Police on Wednesday said after receiving advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions, a 25-year-old constable would face two charges of common assault.

A statement from Deputy Police Commissioner Scott Tilyard said the officer would be taken off operational work until the charges had been resolved.

Originally published as Officer who sprayed boy to be charged