A Hertfordshire Constabulary officer who told a teenager he would “smash your face in” during an arrest has been cleared by the police watchdog.

The incident took place on July 14, 2020, when officers saw a male acting suspiciously and attempted to restrain him.

In a video shared on social media, two officers were seen holding the teenager to the pavement in Stockbridge Road, Hatfield.

During the arrest an officer is recorded saying: “Let go of my hand or I will f*****g smash your face in, do you understand?”

Following an investigation, the Independent Office for Police Misconduct has now said that the officer had no case to answer in relation to the use of force.

A 16-year-old was arrested on suspicion of drug possession with intent to supply, assaulting a police officer with intent to resist arrest and obstructing an authorised person in exercise of a drug search.

No further action was taken in relation to the drugs arrest, and he was summonsed to court for the other two arrests.

Following a review of the case, the CPS concluded there was insufficient evidence to prosecute the charge of obstructing a drug search and that it was not in the public interest to prosecute the charge of assaulting a police officer with intent to resist arrest.

Hertfordshire Constabulary made a referral to the police watchdog, the IOPC, which said there was no case to answer in respect to the use of force. The officer must undertake a Reflective Practice Review Process (RPRP) relating to Authority, Respect and Courtesy.

Hertfordshire Constabulary Assistant Chief Constable Genna Telfer said: “The constabulary is committed to holding ourselves to the highest possible standards and the IOPC’s decision around the RPRP will help the officer involved to learn from the incident.”