Two North Yorkshire Police officers face a watchdog probe after a 'black man ... trends now Force refers itself to watchdog following traffic stop that saw man turn 'violent' Regulatory body informs officers they may face criminal charges pending probe By Jon Brady Published: 01:00 BST, 7 April 2024 | Updated: 01:00 BST, 7 April 2024 A pair of North Yorkshire Police officers are facing a regulatory probe after a man said to be black was allegedly struck and pepper sprayed as he was being restrained following a traffic incident. The force referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) following the traffic stop on January 26; the watchdog has since told both officers they may face criminal charges. One of the two officers involved in the stop has been suspended as the ombudsman continues making inquiries. Both are being investigated for gross misconduct. North Yorkshire Police, meanwhile, says the officers had found it necessary to use 'force' because the man in question, in his 40s, 'became violent' as he was being arrested in Tockwith, near Wetherby. The IOPC says it was made aware of the incident after the force referred itself and its officers to the watchdog following the arrest. North Yorkshire Police referred itself to the independent watchdog following the incident in January this year The Mirror, which first reported the story, says it understands the man who was the subject of police attention was black. A source at the IOPC told the paper there was 'no evidence (of race) being a factor at this stage'. The regulatory body said in a statement that the man was 'aggressive' towards officers, who responded by using Pava spray, a synthetic form of pepper spray. Body-worn camera footage suggests the man was 'struck while being restrained'; the IOPC's enquiries will focus on 'the level of force used'. It has already taken statements from other police officers present as well as ambulance staff who were called to the scene. A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: 'Officers arrested a man in his 40s in connection with a traffic incident. 'The man became violent towards officers who used force to restrain him. He was released on bail.' MailOnline has contacted the force and the IOPC for further comment. CrimeNorth Yorkshire Police Read more: Share or comment on this article: Two North Yorkshire Police officers face a watchdog probe after a 'black man was struck while being restrained' during a traffic incident and 'pepper-sprayed' All rights reserved for this news site (dailymail) and under his responsibility