Police swooped to arrest a stunned nurse outside a children's hospital before moments later discovering their incredible blunder.
Horrified witnesses told of the moment that the oblivious NHS worker had handcuffs slapped around her wrists outside Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital. Chaotic Greater Manchester Police officers then discovered their huge error - and apologised to the medic after she was detained for a short time.
Those who witnessed the incident said it was 'alarming' and 'distressing' for everyone and explained how the woman was ‘de-arrested’ minutes later. One of the officers involved has been' taken off frontline duties' while the force carries out an investigation, the ManchesterEveningNews reported.
The nurse was arrested 'on suspicion of obstructing an officer following a disagreement about the best course of action for the welfare of a teenage girl', according to police, after a child had been reported missing. Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the children's hospital, declined to comment.
Officers "wanted to make sure she was safe and well" GMP said in a statement. Police have also apologised to senior hospital leaders for the "disappointing way this incident escalated". Later, witnesses told the publication the officer 'berated' the staff member and caused injuries to her wrists while handcuffing her.
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A complaint has been made to the police professional standards branch. GMP has also made a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct following the frantic incident, understood to have taken place on Saturday morning.
Assistant Chief Constable Wasim Chaudhry said: "We've apologised to a nurse and her colleagues for the understandable concern and distress caused after an officer handcuffed the nurse during an arrest outside Royal Manchester Children's Hospital on Saturday afternoon.
"Our Professional Standards Directorate has received a complaint and we’ve taken the arresting officer away from frontline duties while we conduct initial enquiries – including reviewing full body-worn footage of the incident. We are also making a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
"The arrest was made on suspicion of obstructing an officer following a disagreement about the best course of action for the welfare of a teenage girl – who had earlier been reported missing, and we wanted to ensure she was safe and well. The nurse was de-arrested by a second officer minutes later.
"A senior officer has since spoken directly to her and senior leaders at the hospital to apologise for the alarming and disappointing way this incident escalated. Every day we work closely with all partners in the health service across Greater Manchester to support and protect those most in need, and this incident is not reflective of the strong partnership working we advocate on a daily basis."
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