POLICE have been accused of prejudice and brutality by gypsies and travellers who say officers used heavy-handed tactics to break up a fight in Broomhill on Saturday night.

A formal complaint of racial discrimination has been lodged with South Yorkshire Race Discrimination Service (SYRDS) and Sheffield Racial Equality Council (SREC).

The “minor fight” between two friends occurred outside the Old Moor Tavern and officers allegedly punched, kicked, sprayed gas and released dogs to break it up.

A member of the Darfield gypsy community, who does not wish to be identified, said: “I was in the pub when I got into an argument with a friend. We went outside to settle it as gypsies do. We have a few slaps, shake hands, and say no more.

“But while we were fighting police arrived and, without warning, sprayed me in the eyes with CS gas, knocked me to the ground, then someone jumped knee first onto my back.

“I told them I would not resist arrest because I had an operation years ago and my shoulder is easily dislocated, but they pulled my hands hard behind my back. “I then felt a boot kick me in the ribs and in the face, and my head was stamped on. A dog bit my arm while I was held down.” He recalls being spayed with gas twice.

A police spokesman said: “At around 10.30 that night, police received a report of persons fighting, close to the Old Moor Tavern. As a result of this incident, one police officer was injured and five persons were arrested for public order related offences. The Police are investigating the matter.”

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