The police watchdog has cleared officers of any wrongdoing after armed police confronted a 13-year-old boy in Hackney, East London, last year when his water pistol was mistaken for a real gun.
The incident occurred on July 19, 2023, when the boy, who is Black, was playing with his younger sibling in a water fight.
A police officer on patrol reported seeing what appeared to be a handgun, leading to a firearms response.
The boy was knocked off his bicycle by a police van, handcuffed, and surrounded by armed officers.
The boy’s mother accused the police of discrimination and “adultification,” suggesting racial bias influenced their perception of her son’s age and threat level. However, an internal investigation by the Metropolitan Police found no misconduct.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) also concluded that the officer’s actions were “reasonable in the circumstances.”
IOPC Regional Director Charmaine Arbouin acknowledged the distress caused, stating, “Being arrested, handcuffed, and searched by armed officers would have been a frightening experience for anyone, let alone a 13-year-old.” She noted the Met Police had apologised to the family.
The incident began around 3:45 PM when an officer reported seeing a male on a bicycle brandishing what appeared to be a Glock-style handgun. Armed officers from the Met and City of London Police were deployed.
Minutes later, the boy was intercepted, resulting in minor injuries from the collision with a police vehicle.
Despite witnesses confirming the boy was playing with a water gun, he was detained and searched before being released without charge.
The water pistols involved were blue-and-white and pink-and-white.
The IOPC found that the officer’s decision to escalate the incident was in line with police guidance, given the belief that a firearm had been seen.
No disciplinary action will be taken against the officers involved.
