South Wales Police Face Backlash Over Handcuffing of 12-Year-Old Boy

South Wales Police are facing criticism after officers forcibly subdued and handcuffed a 12-year-old boy while confiscating his electric scooter. The incident occurred on Wednesday near an abandoned chapel in Pontardawe, Swansea Valley.

Mobile phone footage captured three officers restraining Zain Evans, who was reportedly wearing pajamas and a cycling helmet, and placing him in handcuffs. According to his mother, Emily Evans, Zain was treated in a hospital for muscular injuries and cuts sustained from broken glass on the ground during the altercation. She stated that officers yanked his arms behind his back with such force that he heard a "pop."

Officers had found Zain and two friends exploring the abandoned chapel. According to Ms. Evans, Zain was taking his e-scooter to a friend's house because its electrics had stopped working, and he insisted he had not been riding it. Officers found them inside the building and escorted them outside, at which point they decided to detain Zain. He was not formally arrested.

Ms. Evans, who reportedly witnessed part of the incident, told the Daily Mail that broken glass on the ground caused cuts to Zain's legs and that he has been withdrawn and anxious since the event. She also claimed that police were unaware of three officers being present and that she was given a number to inquire about the scooter's return, only to find the compound had no record of the seized vehicles.

A spokesperson for South Wales Police confirmed that officers responded to a suspected incident of criminal damage at the disused church. "Officers observed a suspected incident of criminal damage to a disused church on Swansea Road, Pontardawe at around 2:15pm on Wednesday October 28," the statement read. "While attending this incident, officers conducted searches of individuals believed to have committed offences and seized an e-scooter which was believed to have been used illegally."

The police statement acknowledged awareness of circulated footage and community concern regarding the use of force. "We are aware of footage of this incident which has been circulated on social media and understand concern from the community in regards to use of force," the spokesperson said. "The mother of the young person has been contacted by officers and the incident has been referred for review by our Professional Standards Department."