The Independent Police Conduct Authority are investigating after the dramatic arrest of three youths in Auckland's Flat Bush yesterday was shared online.
Police say the incident began just after 4:15pm on Monday when reports of a stolen vehicle travelling through Manukau came in.
"The police Eagle helicopter, located the vehicle and maintained observations as a police unit has signalled for the vehicle to stop," police said in a statement today.
"The driver has failed to stop and has driven off."
Police say the vehicle was spiked on Murphy's Road in Flat Bush and police cars then brought it to a stop.
"Three youth were subsequently taken into custody and have been referred to Youth Aid.
"There were no reports of injuries."
Video of the incident has been shared widely online, especially TikTok, with some people accusing police of a heavy handed approach.
"I’m sorry but all those police cars for two people," one person commented on TikTok.
"NZ police aren't that aggressive they're really nice, but they must of done something really bad for the police to do that," said another.
The video shows two police cars box in what appears to be a white Toyota Aqua before other officers arrive in vehicles behind.
The youths in the car then get out and two police officers are quick to force them to the ground, appearing to handle them in a rough manner.
A third youth is dragged across the road and also forced down by another officer. The officers can be heard angrily swearing at the alleged offenders throughout the arrest.
Police commented on the video of the arrest this afternoon: "Police acknowledge the videos circulating on social media and we are now reviewing the actions of our people.
"The incident will also be referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA)."
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