An incident which saw a band held by armed officers after a gig in Burntwood has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.
Brixton-based four-piece The Thirst had just finished playing at The Oak at Sankeys Corner in Burntwood on November 21 when the swoop by Staffordshire Police took place.
The armed officers moved in after CCTV operators said they had seen a firearm in the band’s van.
However, no weapon was found and the band and their backstage team were later released without charge.
The group have since criticised the raid, leading to Staffordshire Police referring the case to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).
A police spokesman said:
“We are aware that the men have made a number of claims in the media about how they were treated following their arrest. Their claims are of obvious concern to us, and we appreciate that they might equally concern members of the communities we serve.
“Our own review is already underway. However, we feel it is important that – in the interests of complete transparency and thoroughness – we liaise with the IPCC on the most appropriate way forward.”
