Black Man 'Not Dressed For Climate' Searched By Police
He said he felt violated by the search and has demanded an apology from the force
A Black man was stopped and searched by police in London after being told he was 'not dressed for the climate'.
Eric Boateng-Taylor - who runs a car-washing business and has a drinks stand in Selhurst Sports Arena - was on his way to work when he was stopped in Dagnall Park, Croydon, on Wednesday (23 March).
Met Police officers subsequently searched him under the Misuse of Drugs Act, but found nothing.
In viral footage recorded by Eric, officers can be heard telling him he is 'not dressed for the weather'.
After stating that he'll dress how he likes - and asking whether the officers plan to buy him a new coat - one of the cops replied: "You're not dressed for the climate, it's very warm, it's hot."
Eric subsequently posted the video on social media, where it has been viewed millions of times.
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Captioning the video on TikTok, he wrote: "Today I was being harassed by these 3 illiterate officers, giggling like kids when they were asking me idiotic questions like what am I wearing & why I look like I do.
"This bullying tactic they use is to get guys like me reacting a way they want so they can arrest me. This needs to stop."
Speaking to ITV News London, he said the incident made him feel 'violated' and 'like a stranger in this country'.
A statement from the Met noted that he 'was wearing several layers of clothing despite the warm weather' in an 'area well-known for drug dealing', adding that he 'became hostile' when approached by officers.
Detective Chief Superintendent Lee Hill said: "We are aware of footage circulating on social media; this shows only a small part of this incident and we would ask people not to rush to judgement.
"In this instance a formal complaint has been received and is being handled in accordance with the Police Reform Act. This will include a review of all the available footage, including the officer's body-worn video.
"Our officers have to conduct themselves in the most challenging of circumstances and it is right their actions should be subject to public scrutiny."
Jake Massey