Police were justified using CS spray against a 17 year old boy in Derry – Londonderry, according to a report by the Police Ombudsman.
The teenager had been detained by a member of the public after breaking a shop window in February 2016.
When officers arrive they said the young man became violent and screamed wildly when they attempted to restrain him.
They noted a group of young people gathered nearby, adding that they were concerned they may come under attack if the situation continued.
A second officer confirmed that he had also drawn his CS Spray but had decided not to use it once he realised it had been used by his colleague.
The officer who used the spray said it allowed them to restrain the boy and apply handcuffs.
The member of the public who reported the incident confirmed that the teenager had acted aggressively and resisted police before the spray was used.
The Police Ombudsman, Dr Michael Maguire, noted that the officers who used the spray were all properly trained in its use, and concluded that their actions had been lawful, necessary and proportionate.
Incidents in Ballymena and County Down were also included in the investigation, with the Ombudsman reaching the same conclusion.
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