Lancashire Police officer who 'attacked' Accrington car thief during arrest charged with assault

Footage of Adeel Ashraf's arrest - which showed him being restrained by a number of officers at the scene in Lonsdale Street on January 8 - was shared on social media.

The IOPC decided to independently investigate the actions of the officers involved after the watchdog received a voluntary referral from Lancashire Police.

It has now been confirmed PC Saul Hignett, 26, has been charged with Section 39 assault following the investigation.

In a statement, the IOPC said: "We referred our evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service in June, who made the decision to charge Police Constable Saul Hignett with (Section 39) common assault.

"He is due to appear before Manchester Magistrates' Court on 4 August."

Ashraf was jailed for 16 months in March after he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, aggravated vehicle-taking, and driving without a licence and insurance

Burnley Crown Court heard that the arrest took place following a 10-minute daytime pursuit through residential streets in Accrington.

During the pursuit Ashraf deliberately drove towards at least one police car.