A police officer who used CS spray to arrest a 14-year-old boy at a Derry school has been cleared of any wrong-doing by the North’s Police Ombudsman.
Police Ombudsman Dr Michael Maguire.
Dr Michael Maguire called himself into the case following the incident at Oakgrove Integrated College in October.
In his report, Dr Maguire says the police officer had no option to use the spray as he feared for the safety of the boy.
Police were called to the school after the boy had put his arm through a window. When they arrived at the school in Gransha, they found him pacing up and down at the main entrance.
His arm was bleeding badly and he was “very angry.”
The report says the officer tried to reason with the boy but he continued to be very aggressive and pushed and threatened the officer.
After warning the boy if he did not calm down he would use the spray, the officer checked there was no one else around and noted the area was well ventilated before using it.
After he was placed in handcuffs and arrested, the boy received first-aid for his injuries before being taken to Strand Road police station where he was questioned in the presence of an older member of his family.
The report reveals the boy apologised during questioning.
The boys’ parents were also spoken to and they fully understood the officer’s action after viewing CCTV footage of the incident.
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