Police officer accused of 'forcibly removing a man's turban and stamping on it on the floor'

A police officer has been accused of "forcibly removing a man's turban and stamping on it on the floor" in Birmingham.

West Midlands Police have responded to the allegations against one of their officers, following a protest outside Perry Barr Custody suite on Wednesday.

The force said it was "sometimes necessary to search anyone who is uncooperative for weapons or anything which could cause harm whilst respecting privacy and religious practices".

The alleged incident took place at Perry Bar Custody suite and involved a member of the Sikh community, who had been arrested for 'minor traffic offences'.

'If you want to disrespect Sikhs you disrespect their turban', Amritpal Singh Dhesi says

The man has since been charged with obstructing a police officer in the execution of his duty and two counts of driving a vehicle when the VRM fails to conform with regulations.

Amritpal Singh Dhesi from Sikh Council UK was among the protestors outside the Perry Barr Custody suite last night. He said if it occurred, it is shocking.

"It shows the up-most disrespect possible. For example, for nations - if you stamp on their flag."

"This is something greater than that. This is our everything, this is our crown. If you want to disrespect Sikhs you disrespect their turban," Mr Singh Dhesi.

He added: "For us, the Sikh turban is like God is placing his hand on your head, it's our crown so any disrespect to that, is a disrespect to the faith but also a disrespect to god."

The Professional Standards Department at the force is currently investigating the alleged incident. The statement from West Midlands Police read: "We are aware of social media posts accusing one of our custody officers of forcibly removing the turban from a man and stamping on it on the floor."

"The safety of people in custody and our officers is our primary concern, therefore it is sometimes necessary to search anyone who is uncooperative for weapons or anything which could cause harm, while also respecting privacy and religious practices.""The man has since been charged with obstructing a police officer in the execution of his duty and two counts of driving a vehicle when the VRM fails to conform with regulations.

He was released on bail to appear at Birmingham Magistrates Court on 25 Nov.