A DAD has accused police of being “heavy-handed” after his 14-year-old autistic son was forced to the ground by four officers.

Adam Fincher, of Langham Drive, Clacton, claims his son suffered a sprained wrist in the incident.

He claims his son was forced to the ground while onlookers pleaded with police.

Officers were originally called to Langham Drive to help a man suffering from mental health issues.

Mr Fincher said his son found himself inside a police cordon.

He claimed the tape, which had been attached to his garden gate, snapped as his son attempted to return home, following which officers stepped in.

Mr Fincher said: “They were heavy-handed with a 14-year-old autistic boy, who didn’t understand what was happening.

“Police put up a cordon, which was tied to my gate. My boy and 30 others were in the cordon already.

“As my boy went to open the gate to get in it snapped. Four police officers tackled him to the ground.”

He added: “I’m angry about this. He was kept in custody at Clacton Police Station for four hours before being released under investigation. It was distressing for him.”

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

  • Scene - Langham Drive, Clacton

A spokesman for Essex Police said officers were called to reports of concern for the welfare of a man at a property in Langham Drive at around 11.30am last Thursday.

He added: “This was a sensitive incident which we believe presented a risk to the public and as it progressed, a large crowd gathered.

"A cordon was put in place to protect the public and allow our officers to work. A man was later detained under the Mental Health Act.

“During the incident the cordon was breached on a number of occasions including the cordon tape being untied.

“A 14 year-old boy and 16-year-old boy were arrested, both on suspicion of obstructing a police officer.

“They have since been released under investigation.

“The incident lasted more than five hours and we are aware of a three-and-a-half minute video, posted online, alongside comments about police actions.

“We have now received a complaint about one of the arrests made, and this is currently the subject of an internal investigation.

“Because of this, we are unable to comment further.”