Fury of sprinter Ricardo Dos Santos as he's stopped by 7 Met cops two years after 'racial profiling' scandal

14 August 2022, 16:26 | Updated: 26 August 2022, 13:18

Ricardo Dos Santos pulled over for a second time by Metropolitan Police

Ricardo dos Santos has hit out at the Met Police, accusing them of a heavy handed approach after he was stopped by armed officers whilst driving home.

The Portuguese sprinter shared three videos online of the moment he was pulled over by "seven armed officers" whilst driving in London on Saturday.

The athlete condemned the number of officers needed and claimed one officer was "ready to smash the glass" of his Tesla "out of frustration".

The Metropolitan Police said the incident has been referred to the police watchdog.

In the video you can see the dramatic moment a police car swoops in front of the sprinter's car forcing him to stop and then a different camera on the vehicle captured the moment officers approached the car.

One officer can be seen reaching for his baton and then holding it up to the drivers window.

Read more: Top Met cop admits some officers are racist in the under-fire force

Recalling the incident Mr Dos Santos wrote: "Not surprised I had to go through this again. Whilst driving home last night 7 armed Met Police officers stopped me because they thought I was on my phone whilst driving.

"At their request I pulled over when safe to do so.

"After I stopped two officers ran towards either side of the car, one fist clenched banged on my window and tried opening the car door.

Read more: Met Police placed into 'special measures' after litany of failures

"Not knowing how to use a Tesla handle he took out his baton out of frustration ready to smash the glass."

He added: "Annoyed that two years down nothing has changed but they still manage to over police... Why do seven armed officers need to be present when I was alone. Two or three max would of been enough."

Police seen detaining Bianca Williams for stop and search in Maida Vale

A Met Police spokesperson told LBC: "We are aware of footage on social media showing part of a stop on a car. At about 04.00hours on Sunday, 14 August, armed officers were on routine patrol in a marked police vehicle.

"They saw a car travelling eastbound on the A40 Westway and were concerned the driver may be using a mobile phone at the wheel.

"The officers clearly indicated for the car to pull over but it failed to do so and they called for further assistance.

"The driver stopped about five minutes later in Orsett Terrace W2, and the officers spoke to him about why they wanted to stop the vehicle. Following the conversation the vehicle was allowed on its way.

"We have since contacted the driver via Twitter to invite him to contact us if he would like to discuss this matter further."

Met Police apologises to Bianca Williams for 'distressing' search

A further statement said: "In relation to a vehicle stop in Orsett Terrace, W2 on Sunday, 14 August, we have now recorded this matter as a public complaint.

"We have also referred it on a voluntary basis to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, recognising the public interest.

"We await their views on how they may wish to take this forward."

It comes just two years after Ricardo dos Santos and his Team GB athlete girlfriend, Bianca Williams, were pulled over by the Met when they were travelling with their young baby in Maida Vale.

Read more: Police officers facing misconduct probe over Bianca Williams stop

The athletes accused police of "racial profiling" over the incident, and Ms Williams said officers spoke to Mr Dos Santos "like he was scum, dirt on their shoe".

Footage of the search for drugs and weapons, during which the couple were handcuffed, was shared on social media and details of the couple's three-month-old son were then also stored on a police database.

Nothing was found during the search and the Met later apologised for the the distress caused by the incident and referred itself to the IOPC.

Five police officers face the sack over the incident and are set to face a gross misconduct disciplinary hearing.