A VIDEO has emerged of a police officer appearing to punch a man as he is restrained on a bus.

Police were called to a report of an abusive passenger on a bus in Eastbourne.

The passenger reportedly refused to pay a fare and to leave the bus, police said.

“When officers arrived, the man continued to be abusive towards other passengers and officers,” a Sussex Police spokesman said.

“He was detained and restrained inside the bus and was warned by officers about assaulting them.

“He was removed from the bus and has been charged with assaulting a policer officer and with using threatening or abusive behaviour which could cause harassment, alarm, or distress.”

A video of the incident has since been posted on social media.

In the video, a police officer can be seen appearing to punch the man in the head while restraining him.

The man can be heard shouting: “Why are you always trying to victimise me. You're hurting my hand. You're breaking my hand."

The officer responds: "Stop pinching me."

The spokesman added: "Our Professional Standards Department are actively reviewing the actions taken by officers, including footage of the incident as well as body worn video recorded by officers.”

The Stagecoach bus was reportedly parked next to the Arlington Arms pub in Eastbourne at the time of the incident.

Sussex Police are also appealing for witnesses to the incident.

“We are aware of a video which shows an interaction between police officers and a detained man on a bus in Eastbourne,” the spokesman said.

“Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has relevant footage can report it to Sussex Police, quoting serial 1538 of 16/07.”