Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

`Police officers were out to kill suspect'

Jojo Moyes
Friday 22 November 1996 19:02 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Police "were out to kill" Wayne Douglas as they "rained blows" on the suspected burglar, an inquest jury was told. Patrick Doyle said the former postman, who died in custody just over an hour later, was repeatedly kicked and stamped on.

"They were out to kill him, that is the only way I can explain what happened that night," he told the hearing in Southwark, south London.

Mr Doyle said he was in his flat in Brixton, when he he saw Mr Douglas, 25, confronting police in the street. He heard them shouting "put it down" and saw a knife thrown to the ground. Two officers then rushed him, pinned him to the ground and delivered five or six baton blows to his arms as he screamed in pain.

Mr Doyle went out and saw up to seven officers dragging Mr Douglas into the park and hitting him again. "They were raining blows on the boy with batons," he said. "Some of the officers were also stamping on him ... on his chest, arms, legs, back, head, everywhere."

The hearing was adjourned.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in