Moment cop ‘pepper-sprays man who SPAT on train passengers and refused to wear mask’
THIS is the moment a cop reportedly pepper-sprays a man who spat on train passengers and refused to wear a mask.
British Transport Police said they were responding to reports of a man coughing at two passengers on a Merseryrail train on Wednesday when the shocking scenes broke out.
The video shows the officer challenging the man to put on a face covering due to the coronavirus pandemic.
However, the passenger refuses claiming he has “underlying health conditions” and is not required by law to wear a mask.
In England, people with certain health conditions are exempt from wearing face coverings on trains.
It is unclear what medical issues the man in the video had.
After the passenger said he will not leave the train, the row became physical with the cop threatening to “spray” the commuter in the face.
In the clip, the man says: “You’re not allowed to touch me by law.
“I do not have to wear a mask, end of, and you don’t have to challenge me.”
When the man says “I’m not getting off” the cop grabs him and a tussle ensues.
The officer is heard “Ill spray you, Ill spray you mate” while holding a canister towards his face.
It is unclear what kind of substance was in the spray can.
During the altercation, the man’s friend calls the policeman a “bully” claiming he is on “a power trip” while insisting his pal has “underlying health conditions.”
He also asks for the officer’s “name and number” as shocked commuters watch on in amazement.
The officer tries to remove him by force but the man refuses to budge and blasts: “I’ve told you no. Now get off me.”
To which the officer replies: “Off the train, or I’ll get you locked up.”
In the ensuing struggle, the man’s shirt comes off as the cop attempts to put handcuffs on the commuter.
A passenger appears to step to in to help the cop arrest the man as the person filming can be heard saying “who are you?”
Several officers are seen struggling to get the man in handcuffs, as he screams: “This is the reason why I don’t wear my mask.”
He is finally subdued and led off the train, as other passengers – furious at his removal – demand to know the name of the arresting officer.
BTP have charged the man with threatening behaviour and assaulting a police officer.
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A spokesperson for BTP said: “A man has been charged with threatening behaviour and assaulting a police officer on a Merseyrail train to Liverpool Lime Street station.
“The incident happened at around 3.20pm on Wednesday 2 September. Officers had responded to a report of a man coughing at two passengers.
“Anthony Baldwin of Little Sutton, will appear at Liverpool and Knowsley Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 6 January 2021.”