WA police officer filmed punching man repeatedly during arrest at New Year’s Eve celebration in Northbridge

A man has been punched by a police officer multiple times while being pinned to the ground in Perth’s entertainment precinct just minutes after WA welcomed in the New Year.

WA Police rostered an extra 440 officers to meet the demands of unruly partygoers across the State and for one man his fun ended when he was pinned to the ground and punched by a police officer near the Brass Monkey in Northbridge.

A police spokesperson said security staff at a James Street venue alerted officers to a man who had been allegedly acting in a “disorderly manner” around 12.05am.

“Officers approached the man and asked him to move on, however he failed to comply with the direction and continued to yell and swear in the vicinity of other members of the public,” they said.

“Due to his ongoing behaviour, officers attempted to arrest the man, however it will be alleged he positioned his arms to prevent being handcuffed and resisted being arrested.”

Shocking video of the arrest has since emerged online — showing one police officer throwing several punches at the 25-year-old suspect on his side.

Three officers in total can be seen pinning the man to the ground as other partygoers record him receiving multiple across his body — some near his head.

“It took several officers to gain control of the man and secure him into police custody,” police say.

During the initial struggle, the man can be seen moving around as police try to detain him but revellers at the Brass Monkey can be heard pleading with police to “ease up”.

One woman can be heard screaming amid the chaos as nearby officers on bikes keep a protective eye on their colleagues.

By the end of the chaos, police had tied the man by his knees and ankles — and placed him in handcuffs — before he was pulled up into a standing position.

The man — from Kenwick — has been handed one count of disorderly behaviour in a public place and one count of obstructing public officers.

He is due to face Perth Magistrates Court on January 31.

Acting Commander Mark Longman said WA Police would review the circumstances of the man’s arrest before considering any disciplinary action against officers.

“I haven’t viewed it yet but the police will have a look at their video and they will review the circumstances that led to his arrest,” he said.

“And if any action needs to be taken against the officers involved, then we will be the first to lead the investigation.

Commander Mark Longman said WA Police rostered an extra 440 officers on Sunday night to create a significant visible presence as thousands of people celebrated New Year’s Eve across Perth.

He said frontline officers reported that crowds were generally well-behaved. Across the State, 126 people were arrested and 290 charges were laid.

“I’m pleased to say that was down on last year, but I think it’s reflective of the significantly increased policing presence that was out in the metropolitan area last night and into the early hours of this morning,” Acting Commander Longman said.

“I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank our first responders who were out last night and also the health professionals who have dedicated so much of their time and effort over Christmas and New Year’s Eve period to meet what is probably one of the highest demanding times of the year.”

Commander Longman added that there were several minor injuries suffered by police officers.

It comes as people flocked to venues such as The Lookout in Scarborough and Claremont for Snack Festival.