NSW police officer allegedly strikes woman with fist during Byron Bay arrest

FOOTAGE has emerged of an officer allegedly striking a woman with a closed fist during an arrest at Byron Bay beach but police say it was self-defense.

FOOTAGE has emerged of an officer allegedly striking a woman with a closed fist during an arrest at Byron Bay beach but police say it was self-defense.

At 3.20pm police were called to the rear of a caravan park in relation to “intoxicated people being disruptive”.

Police spoke to a number of people to identify those involved.

When speaking with an intoxicated woman, she began behaving aggressively towards the police, according to a New South Wales Police Force spokesperson.

Vision has emerged of a police officer allegedly striking a woman with a closed fist at Byron Bay during an arrest at the beach.

“After checking the woman’s bag and the remains of a bottle of vodka was found and disposed of,” the spokesperson said.

“This is in accordance with the pre-existing alcohol-free zone.

“As the woman was being arrested for offensive behaviour, a man tried to intervene.

“Police will allege the woman tried to bite a female officer who had to use her self-defence training to avoid injury.”

The woman suffered an injury and was taken to Byron Bay Hospital, under police guard, for precautionary medical checks and later released.

Vision has emerged of a police officer allegedly striking a woman with a closed fist at Byron Bay during an arrest at the beach.

The man has since attended Byron Bay Police Station where he was arrested.

Legal action is anticipated against the pair.

The witness who filmed the incident and posted it to social media today wrote: “I only just got the beach and saw this unfolding.

“She gave them permission to search her bags and when they turned it inside out, she was placed under arrest and forcibly walked up the stairs where she was hit with a closed fist by the female officer and was knocked unconscious for 30 secs or more,” the witness wrote.

“The officers then stood there not doing anything, while a man believed to be her friend ran to her aid.

“Said man was hit by (the) female police officer, then pepper sprayed by male officer.”

The Gold Coast Bulletin has contacted the Police Association of NSW for comment on this incident.

Vision has emerged of a police officer allegedly striking a woman with a closed fist at Byron Bay during an arrest at the beach.