BTP officer handed final written warning over use of force in arrest of children

A British Transport Police (BTP) officer has been handed a final written warning following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Police Constable (PC) Gavin Parsons faced a gross misconduct hearing over allegations that his actions breached the police standards of professional behaviour.

On 14 December 2024, PC Parsons was at London Bridge underground station when a member of the public alerted him to an incident involving two children.

He located two Black 15-year-old boys and, with limited information, immediately racked his baton and ordered the boys on the ground without giving them an opportunity to co-operate before using force.

Without explaining to the children why they were required to obey PC Parsons’s instructions, he struck one of the children with his baton less than 30 seconds after encountering him and struck the other with his baton less than one minute after encountering him.

Both were arrested and put in handcuffs.

Two members of the public who witnessed the interaction made complaints to BTP regarding the force used and alleged that the children were treated differently because of their race, while a further police complaint was made by the mother of one of the children.

The disciplinary hearing concluded yesterday (Wednesday 25 March) and the panel found that the officer used force against the two children that was not necessary, proportionate or reasonable in the circumstances, that he failed to treat the children with respect and courtesy, and that he arrested them without sufficient grounds to do so.

He was found to have breached the police standards of professional behaviour relating to authority, respect and courtesy; use of force; orders and instructions; duties and responsibilities and discreditable conduct.

The panel found the allegations that the children were treated differently because of their race not proven.

PC Parsons was given a final written warning that will last for five years.

IOPC Director Amanda Rowe said: “Anyone who comes into contact with officers should expect to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of the circumstances.

“In the busy public environment, PC Parsons made no effort to communicate or deescalate the situation and instead chose to rack his baton, an act which escalated the situation further, before striking both children with the baton.

“His actions were concerning enough for two members of the public, who witnessed the interaction, to make complaints to the force.

“A panel has found his force was excessive and his conduct fell well below the standards expected of him. It is right that he has now been held accountable.”

Our investigation began following complaint referrals from BTP in January 2025.

As part of our investigation we reviewed body worn video, mobile phone footage and CCTV. We also obtained witness accounts from members of the public and took statements from PC Parsons and the other officers present during the incident.

We concluded our investigation in July 2025 and decided that the officer should face gross misconduct proceedings. The officer was also investigated for the potential offence of common assault.

At the conclusion of our investigation, we referred a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), which decided not to charge the officer.