Maureen Louez says a man kicked and punched by police in Porirua only verbally assaulted officers.

Video has emerged showing police in Porirua seemingly kicking and punching a person in the back of a police car.

It is understood the incident happened in Cannons Creek on Wednesday.

In the video, a police officer can be seen struggling with a person in the back seat of a police car and shouting can be heard.

Supplied Video has emerged showing police kicking and punching a person in the back seat of a police car.

A second officer gets out of the driver's seat and then the first officer – who was already outside the car – can be seen kicking inside the car.

There is more struggling before it appears punches are thrown.

Responding to the footage, Acting District Commander Paul Basham said in a statement that police were aware of the incident and the footage.

"However, as is often the case with brief video clips of this nature, it does not necessarily provide a full picture of what occurred prior to the event being filmed, which may include a subject's violent and or aggressive behaviour towards police staff or other members of the public.

"I can reassure the community that the incident will be reviewed, and the relevant facts made available in due course," Basham said.

The man in the car had been charged with "a number of serious matters relating to a family violence incident that proceeded his arrest", a police spokeswoman said.

Neighbour Maureen Louez said she had watched the incident, which took place right outside her house.

"I thought police brutality straight away."

The man was lying on the back seat of the car and couldn't get out when he was kicked and punched, she claimed.

She questioned why police did not use taser guns or pepper spray on the man, who was a large and seemingly drunk manin his 30s or 40s who was verbally abusing police.

He did not punch or otherwise attack police physically, Louez said.

She did not know why police had come to the house but reinforcements were called in and there were eventually multiple cars and a paddy wagon in the street.

Porirua eastern ward councillor Izzy Ford said it it appeared "excessive force has been used, in a situation where a young man has already been restrained".

"Without knowing the full details I think the police have got it seriously wrong."

Matt Crawshaw, from Wesley Community Action in Cannons Creek, said he saw this type of incident too often in the area.

"I am pretty horrified but sadly not too surprised."

He pointed out that it was impossible to know what was actually happening inside the car.

Porirua Mayor Nick Leggett would not comment on the contents of the video other than to say most Porirua police do a "great job".

"I'm sure this will be fully investigated."

Police were asked whether the officer had been stood down and a spokeswoman said a case review was underway and decisions would be made next week.

The incident comes less than a month after police in Hawke's Bay were videoed allegedly punching a man outside the Napier KFC.