A BRIGHTON police chief has urged people to 'understand the wider context' after two videos of police arresting black people were widely shared on social media.

One witness said they were "utterly shocked" by one of the arrests in Montpelier Road, Brighton, while Brighton and Hove City Council leader Nancy Platts said she was 'angry' after seeing footage of the incident.

In the video, a black man asks an officer “Why have you got your arm on my neck?” before saying “I can’t breathe”.

“That is my Adam’s apple and you are crushing it,” he can be heard saying. 

But the officer denies this and says: “I am not on your throat.”

Footage of the incident has been widely shared on social media ahead of a Black Lives Matter protest in the city tomorrow.

The Montpelier Road arrest is not the only video to be widely shared on social media.

WATCH>>>People plead with police as officers hold black man down in street

Footage of the arrest of a 22-year-old man in York Road, Hove, on June 26 has also been posted on several sites.

In both incidences, the arrested men have been released without charge but remain under investigation, Sussex Police said.

Following the circulation of the videos the city’s policing commander, chief superintendent Nick May, has issued a statement.

He said: “The videos show two separate incidents in Brighton and Hove.

“In Hove, officers stopped a man who appeared to be concealing a blade. 

“He was found in possession of a pair of garden shears and arrested. 

“A further search recovered two kitchen knives and suspected stolen goods.

The Argus:

“In Montpelier Road, Brighton, officers were investigating a missing teenage girl who they subsequently found and took into safety.

“We understand that some people may find these videos shocking but it is important for people to understand the wider context. Both videos show a small part of much longer interactions.

“All police officers are trained to use reasonable force, lawfully and proportionately, if they believe there is an imminent risk of physical harm to either the public or to themselves, and if they cannot otherwise defuse the situation.

READ MORE>>>Council leader 'angry' after seeing footage of arrest of black man

“We are reviewing these incidents, including body worn video footage captured at the scene, to identify if any further investigation or learning is required. 

“We have voluntarily advised the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) that we intend to refer the most recent matter to them for additional scrutiny.

The Argus:

“It is vital people can trust and have confidence in our policing approach, that we are fair, inclusive and that we treat everyone in our diverse communities equally and with respect. 

“We meet regularly with community groups and independent advisors to seek their feedback and advice on this but accept there is always more work to do.

“We await the outcome of the reviews of these incidents and will take any appropriate action as required.”