The police watchdog is investigating after shocking footage emerged of a cop battering a suspect with a baton before punching him in the face during an arrest.

Children can be heard screaming in horror as the man was detained by the "heavy-handed" police officer at a property in Newport, Wales, at around 5pm on Friday (7/9).

Disturbing mobile phone footage shows the officer repeatedly hitting the suspect with his baton before pinning him down on top of some wooden pallets in the back garden.

The video also shows the PC appearing to punch the 41-year-old man squarely in the face despite him being handcuffed on the ground.

Gwent Police has since confirmed the incident has been referred to the police watchdog after footage of the arrest was widely circulated on social media.

During the video a woman can be heard repeatedly shouting: "Get off him, you're scaring my kids.

"You sprayed him, you kicked him, you punched him, you pushed my kids. I'm making a complaint on you.

"You absolute bully. Absolute ridiculous behaviour.

"I want the police called on the police. He could do with an ambulance. Let me give him some water."

The footage, which has been viewed several thousands times in less than 24 hours after being obtained by Birmz Is Grime, drew widespread criticism online.

One web user wrote: "He clearly wasn't resisting was he.

"Didn't see him throwing punches, trying to run away yet the police officer still needed to use the baton on his head.

"It's acceptable to use the recommended use of legal force...this was not the recommended it was way above."

Another added: "Just another copper abusing his power and being heavy-handed when uncalled for. I know they have a hard job but his actions are clearly way too violent."

One person wrote: "disgraceful...got his super hero uniform on so he's untouchable and a hard man."

Another said: "Absolutely disgusting behaviour. That punch square to the face while he was already handcuffed and on the floor. Vile."

However others sympathised with the officer with one person commenting: "Perhaps the footage doesn't tell the full story, it's a lone officer doing his job in a volatile situation."

Another added: "He had the choice to go quietly and make no fuss but chose otherwise. Meanwhile the banshee in the background cannot accept he is a crim."

Chief Superintendent Tom Harding, of Gwent Police, confirmed the incident had been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).