UK police handcuffed, spit-hooded distressed 91-year-old woman

A 91-year-old woman had a Taser pointed at her and a spit hood put over her head by police after a dispute with her career.

The Metropolitan Police said the elderly woman was “distressed” and allegedly spat at one officer when they were called to her home in Peckham, south-east London, on May 9.

She was handcuffed, had a mesh spit hood placed over her head, and had a Taser trained on her before being taken to the hospital without arrest.

The watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), is investigating what happened.

One officer had already been suspended and was not allowed to use a Taser while the investigation was being carried out.

Five other officers had been placed on restricted duties, so they had no contact with the public.

A member of the woman’s family had been allowed to watch footage of what happened from the officers’ body-worn video cameras.

Detective Chief Superintendent Seb Adjei-Addoh said: “There are limits to what I am able to say in relation to this incident given that it is now subject to an IOPC investigation.

“However, it is clear that this will have been a distressing experience for the lady involved and that the circumstances raise a number of questions that need to be answered.

“While I do not wish to pre-judge this process, officers know that they must be able to justify any use of force or restraint.

“We will expect that of the officers involved in this incident.

“They also know that we expect them to show compassion and to adjust their approach in real-time according to the circumstances they are faced with.

“I am committed to transparency in relation to this incident. I am already in contact with our key partners and will keep them and those directly involved informed as our inquiries progress.”