An officer who threatened to 'make something up' in order to arrest a man is under investigation for gross misconduct.

The investigation, which is being carried out by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), relates to the actions of two police officers during an incident in Accrington.

On April 17, police approached four members of the public on Coach Road in Accrington, before an altercation ensued between one officer and a young man, which was filmed on a mobile phone.

It is believed the man had been out in his car in order to buy a quad bike for his step-son, before being pulled over by the police.

In the mobile phone footage, the young man is heard saying: "You're harassing me, what for I've done nothing wrong."

The officer then says: "Do you want me to show you the definition of harassment.

"Give me the keys. Give me the keys and sit in the car and shut up.

"If you want to f******g step to me then fine I will lock you up.

"I will make something up.

"Public order, squaring up to a police officer, shall I do that?

"Who they going to believe, me or you."

Footage of the exchange, which also included another officer, was widely circulated on social media.

As a result, on April 20, the police voluntarily referred the matter to the IOPC.

A spokesperson for the IOPC said: "We started an independent investigation and subsequently received a complaint about the conduct of the officers which will be considered as part of that investigation.

"One officer, who is alleged to have abused his powers, has been notified that he is under investigation for gross misconduct.

"The second officer has been notified that he is under investigation for misconduct for an allegation that he did not challenge or report the conduct of the first officer."

The IOPC make it clear that the serving of a notice is not an implication of guilt, but is merely to inform an officer that their conduct is under investigation.

IOPC Regional Director Amanda Rowe said: "I recognise that this incident has caused concern in the local community and, understandably, has raised questions about the conduct of the officers.

"It is our role to independently investigate the matter to ensure the officers are accountable for their actions and to identify if any broader lessons could be learned.

"This work is underway, and is progressing well. Lancashire Constabulary, and the two officers, are cooperating with our enquiries.

“We have spoken to the man who was stopped by the officers, and we will keep him regularly updated on this investigation.”