A BOLTON police officer is being investigated by the IPCC for allegations that he unlawfully arrested a doctor at the Barton Moss anti-fracking protest.

Sgt Dave Kehoe was initially investigated by Greater Manchester Police's professional standards branch after Dr Steven Peers was arrested for refusing a breath test while videoing the protest.

The investigation, supervised by the Independent Police Complaints Commission, found Sgt Kehoe had no case to answer.

Dr Peers then appealed to the IPCC, and they upheld it, launching its own investigation in the last week.

Sgt Kehoe accused Dr Peers of driving to the site of the protest drunk.

He is seen on video saying: “You’ve had a drink this morning. Where’s your car? You’ve just said to me you’ve had two drinks.”

The doctor said he told the officer he had been drinking tea, not alcohol.

Dr Peers was charged but the case was withdrawn by the Crown Prosecution Service because there was insufficient evidence.

An IPCC spokesman said: “This matter came to light through a YouTube video which we contacted GMP about.

“GMP’s investigation found no case to answer for any of the officers.

“Dr Peers exercised his right to appeal to us and our appeal decision was to uphold it.

“We have decided to investigate it ourselves.”

A GMP spokesman said the force could not comment on an ongoing IPCC investigation.

The news comes after a report into the policing of the Barton Moss protest was published on October 16.

An independent panel set up by police and crime commissioner Tony Lloyd found that claims of police brutality at the anti-fracking protest have not been substantiated.

The report also concluded that more robust planning and better engagement with protest groups will help improve public confidence and trust.

It also said protesters should do more to recognise their responsibilities when protesting.

Ch Con Peter Fahy said: “The policing of protests is often contentious and the Barton Moss protest put GMP between those wishing to obstruct the drilling process and a company and landowner wishing to carry out their lawful business.

"It is important that police action is independently scrutinised and we welcome the first report from the protest panel.

“All the recommendations are accepted by the force.”