THE police watchdog has said it will be investigating officers who sprayed a man in the face with CS gas while he was handcuffed.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission said the behaviour of three officers involved in Sunday night’s controversial arrests outside a nightclub in Brentwood is questionable enough to warrant investigating.

The probe comes after a cameraman filmed police spraying CS gas into Alan Lethbridge’s face, while he was handcuffed, outside O’Neills pub, in Brentwood High Street.

The footage, which was broadcast across news channels on Monday, provoked widespread criticism.

Questions were asked about how the CS spray was administered, and whether officers had been heavy-handed.

On Tuesday, Essex Police placed three of the officers involved on restricted duties.

Rachel Cerfontyne, a commissioner from the Independent Police Complaints Commission, said: “Based on the footage we have seen so far, including CCTV coverage and our initial assessment of the incident, I have taken the view an independent investigation by the IPCC is warranted.

“We will want to examine what happened immediately leading up to the arrests, and to determine whether the use of CS spray and restraints was necessary and proportionate in the circumstances, and if police actions were in accordance with guidelines.”

Mr Lethbridge, 28, of Colne Drive, Harold Hill, has since been charged with assaulting a paramedic, being drunk and disorderly, and using threatening words or behaviour.

The commission is appealing for any witnesses to contact investigators on 0845 3002002.