The incident occurred in Hackney in July when the boy was having a water fight with his sibling. A police officer reported a potential firearms incident, leading to the boy being knocked off his bicycle by a police van and confronted by armed officers. He was initially arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm but was later "de-arrested."
The IOPC initially suggested that the Metropolitan Police should investigate the complaint, but after concerns were raised by the boy's mother and the local community, the IOPC has decided to launch its own independent inquiry. The Metropolitan Police has apologized for the trauma caused.
The incident sparked controversy and raised questions about racial bias in policing. An internal police investigation found no misconduct by the officers involved, but a complaint alleging racial bias is still under investigation by the Met's Directorate for Professional Standards.