By ANEEKA SIMONIS
A YOUTH hit his head and lost consciousness after being tackled to the ground by an arresting police officer outside Pakenham railway station, viral footage shows.
The dramatic footage shows the police officer launching at the 14-year-old boy whose head is smacked on the gravel road, causing him to lose consciousness.
In the footage, the youth lies limp on the ground as he is handcuffed by the officer.
Victoria Police revealed the incident occurred in December last year, months prior to the viral spread of the clip over social media.
The 14-year-old and an older teen were arrested after 2.40pm on Tuesday 22 December over failing to identify himself to police.
Police alleged the youth was part of a “large group” exhibiting antisocial behaviour outside the train station.
“Police have spoken to several members of the group who refused to give their details. A 17-year-old boy was arrested while police attempted to confirm his identity,” a Victoria Police statement read.
Police said the 14-year-old also refused to have over his details, leading to the dramatic arrest captured on film.
“During the arrest the boy has fallen to the ground, hit his head and was unconscious for a short time. He was taken to hospital but was not admitted,” the statement read.
“Police have liaised with the boy and his family and a caution notice was given in relation to use abusive words in a public place.”
The teenager’s friends told Sky News the group confrontation with police escalated quickly.
“The cop was swearing the whole time and then [the youth] said one swear word and the cop started getting really angry,” one boy claimed.
“We asked for his badge number multiple times, which he refused to give to us. And then he arrested [the youth] and knocked him out, pretty much.”
Victoria Police said no complaint has been received in relation to police action during the arrest.
Pakenham police Senior Sergeant Graeme Stanley said the youths were questioned over a stolen bike.
He believed no charges had been laid in relation to the bike theft investigation.
