A Metropolitan Police officer has been dismissed for gross misconduct after using excessive force on a handcuffed homeless man in central London. The incident, which occurred on June 15, 2024, resulted in the man sustaining a head injury that required hospital treatment.
Pc Omer Farok, who was attached to the Central North Basic Command Unit, was found to have breached the police standards of professional behaviour relating to use of force and authority, respect and courtesy. An independent investigation by the policing watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), established that officers responded to reports of a man entering an unattended vehicle.
According to the IOPC, Pc Farok detained and handcuffed the man, who had remained at the scene and made no attempt to flee. During the subsequent search, the officer repeatedly pushed the man against a brick wall, called him an 'idiot,' and ignored requests for an explanation. Footage showed Pc Farok manipulating the handcuffs in a way that caused pain, while accusing the man of resisting arrest, despite the man stating he could not resist with his hands behind his back.
The IOPC stated that Pc Farok then took hold of the man's upper body and "took him to the ground with force." As the man was handcuffed, he was unable to break his fall and landed face-first on the pavement, suffering a laceration near his right eyebrow. The officer continued to shout "stop resisting" even after the man was injured on the ground.
Following the IOPC's investigation, Pc Farok was charged with assault by beating. He was acquitted at trial in November 2025. However, a gross misconduct hearing organized by the Metropolitan Police found the allegations proven. The panel dismissed Pc Farok with immediate effect and he will be placed on the College of Policing barred list, prohibiting him from future policing roles.
Amanda Rowe, IOPC director of engagement, commented that Pc Farok "repeatedly used disrespectful and degrading language" and employed force that was "not necessary, reasonable or proportionate." She added that such conduct "risks damaging public confidence in policing."