A suspended Scotland Yard officer is under investigation by the police watchdog for common assault and gross misconduct after appearing to kneel on a man’s neck during an arrest. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is looking into the manner of the arrest of Marcus Coutain, 48, who was filmed pleading with officers to “get off my neck” as he was handcuffed on the pavement in Islington, north London, last month. Coutain, who is black, was subsequently charged with possessing a knife in a public place. He has called for a formal apology from Scotland Yard and for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to drop the charge. The IOPC said it will also “investigate whether the officers treated the man differently because of his race”. One Metropolitan Police officer was suspended and another placed on restricted duties over the incident on Isledon Road on 16 July. Scotland Yard deputy commissioner Sir Steve House has described the footage as “deeply disturbing” and said some of the techniques, which are “not taught in police training”, caused him “great concern”. Launching a witness appeal, the IOPC said: “One officer has been advised that they are subject to a criminal investigation for common assault and investigation for gross misconduct on use of force; authority, respect and courtesy; discreditable conduct and honesty and integrity. “A second officer has been advised that they are subject to a misconduct investigation on challenging and reporting improper conduct; authority, respect and courtesy; and honesty and integrity.” Regional director Sal Naseem said: “We are independently examining whether the use of force and the stop and search on this occasion were appropriate and proportionate in line with approved police policies. “We will also investigate whether the officers treated the man differently because of his race. This incident took place in public and was witnessed by several members of the public. A video of the incident has been widely shared on social media platforms.” Coutain appeared at Highbury Corner magistrates court last month charged with possessing a knife in public. He indicated a not guilty plea and was granted technical bail as the case was sent to Snaresbrook crown court on 17 August by district judge Gillian Allison.