A man who was wrestled to the ground by police officers in Exeter city centre was wanted on recall to prison.

At least three officers and another man were seen bringing the 35-year-old man to the floor during the episode which was filmed by an eyewitness.

A number of community support officers can also be seen on the scene, while members of the public film the disturbance unfolding.

Police later said a member of the force was 'subject to an assault'.

A spokesperson has now revealed the man involved in the incident was wanted on recall to prison.

The video shows police pinning the man to the floor

"Police were called to South Street just before 11am today (Wednesday, July 31) following the sighting of a man who was wanted on emergency recall to prison.

"Officers attended the scene and one man resisted arrest; one officer was subject to an assault during this incident.

"A 35-year-old man has been detained by the police and will initially be taken to hospital for assessment before being returned to prison."

The drama unfolded along the George Street alleyway, off South Street, shortly before midday.

The alleyway where the incident took place

"It kicked off on South Street and ended up on the High Street," said one witness.

"I didn't see how it started but they carted everyone off and there were a lot of police about."

Watch footage of the incident below. Warning: This video does contain offensive language.

Video Loading

 

Another witness claimed there were about 20 police officers on the scene, along with seven police vehicles.

The video shows the incident taking at least 13 minutes from start to finish.

It culminates with eight people carrying the man away before loading him into the back of a police van.