A woman reported that she had a taser pointed at her face by the police after she fell off her bike while cycling home in North Liverpool. Boxer Charlotte Powell, who sustained injuries to her face and shoulder, recounted the incident that occurred as she was returning from a training session. She claimed that a police car began following her along Priory Road, then Townsend Lane, and finally Pinehurst Avenue. Charlotte, who is set to compete for the Commonwealth silver super flyweight title, shared her experience of the encounter. She explained that as she lay on the ground after falling from her bike, an officer ran towards her holding a taser, causing her distress and confusion.
The 25-year-old stated that she had not initially noticed the police car tailing her until she reached Pinehurst Avenue, where her mother lives. She described how, despite wearing headphones and a hat, she became aware of the police car following her. After the incident, Charlotte expressed her shock at the sight of the officer running towards her with a yellow object in his hand, which she later realised was a taser. Merseyside Police later confirmed that an electric bike was seized, citing the requirement for insurance to ride it on public roads.
Following the incident, the police disclosed that Charlotte had been reported for not having insurance for the bike and that the taser was drawn but not used. There were no reported injuries resulting from the encounter. A spokesperson for Merseyside Police provided details of the incident, stating that the woman had been detained for riding carelessly and against the flow of traffic. The electric motorbike was seized, and she was reported for driving without insurance.
The boxer’s account of the event has sparked discussions regarding police conduct and procedures during encounters with the public. Charlotte’s experience serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in law enforcement interactions. As she prepares for her upcoming boxing match, Charlotte’s bravery in sharing her story sheds light on the need for respectful and safe policing practices. The incident highlights the ongoing dialogue surrounding police actions and their impact on individuals within communities across the UK.