A POLICE watchdog has ruled that the use of PAVA spray during the arrest of two people accused of acting violently in Glasgow was justified.

The Police Investigations and Review Commissioner issued the ruling following the incident on May 2 this year.

Police were called to the city flat after receiving a report of a disturbance. When they arrived, they say they were forced to use a manual battering ram to force open the door after the householder, 30, issued threats and refused to let officers in.

It is claimed that the householder then became aggressive, lunged at the officers and attempted to strike and kick them. One of the officers drew his PAVA spray and issued a verbal warning before discharging the spray at the man.

Police said this was effective, allowing the officers to gain control and arrest him.

At that point it is also claimed that a 23-year-old woman attacked the officers and despite being given several verbal warnings continued to act aggressively. Officers discharged PAVA spray on two occasions at the woman, enabling them to arrest her.

Two other men were also found in the flat and were initially handcuffed to ensure officer safety. They were later released and advised to go home in accordance with Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance.

The 30-year-old man and 23-year-old woman have both been reported to the Procurator Fiscal.

A spokesman for PIRC said: “On May 11, Police Scotland referred the incident to the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC).

“Our investigation found that the discharge of the PAVA spray was justified, proportionate and necessary to prevent further injury to the officers concerned and assist in bringing the incident to a safe conclusion.”