A WEST Yorkshire Police officer is being interviewed on suspicion of common assault and gross misconduct after restraining a teenager outside Leeds United's stadium.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has advised the officer he is subject to a criminal investigation after the arrest of a 17-year-old just outside Elland Road, on Friday, July 17.

Fans of the club gathered outside the stadium to celebrate Leeds United getting promoted to the Premier League, for the first time in 16 years.

Leeds beat Barnsley by a single goal on the Thursday (July 16), but West Brom's failure to beat Huddersfield confirmed their automatic promotion.

Ignoring results elsewhere, it left the Whites needing just a point in their final two games to secure automatic promotion.

But, second-placed West Brom's loss at Huddersfield the day after meant Leeds were up without having to touch a ball.

It meant thousands of fans flocked to Elland Road, where the players were celebrating themselves inside.

Police were on hand to prevent any trouble and one video of officers arresting a teenager was shared widely on social media.

It shows the 17-year-old boy being restrained on the ground by police.

In the footage an officer uses their knee, at one point, to restrain the teenager. 

The IOPC decided to independently investigate the incident after it received a voluntary referral from the force.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, which took place at around 5pm as fans gathered to celebrate Leeds United's promotion to the Premier League, should get in touch.

You should email: Ellandroad@policeconduct.gov.uk

Or you can ring: 0300 303 5725.

IOPC Regional Director Miranda Biddle said: “We understand why the images that were circulated caused considerable public concern.

"After the footage was shared on social media, a voluntary referral was made to us in relation to the conduct of the officer.

“Having examined a range of evidence including body worn video and initial accounts from the officers involved in the restraint, we have taken the decision that this is now a criminal investigation.

"A criminal investigation does not mean that criminal charges will necessarily follow.

“It is vitally important that the circumstances of this incident are subject to an independent investigation so we can fully understand what happened and impartially determine the facts.

“We have already begun to gather evidence but would like to speak to anyone else who was at Leeds United’s ground at the same time for these celebrations and may have witnessed the incident.”