Anti-corruption watchdog charges police officer with assault of child

The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) has charged a Victorian police officer with common assault against a teenager.

IBAC said the investigation was part of Operation Loch, that looked into force used by a police officer against a child, who was under 18-years-old at the time, during an arrest in Ballarat in October last year.

It alleged that the detective senior constable unlawfully punched and kicked the teenager multiple times, following their arrest, while they were handcuffed and compliant.

The police officer is expected to appear before Ballarat Magistrates' Court next month.