The UK Metropolitan Police has dismissed Shola Balogun, an officer from Bromley Police Station, after an incident involving alleged assault on a fellow officer during a social event. Balogun was reported to have attended a birthday party in Bexleyheath, Kent, where an altercation occurred between him and a colleague.
According to details from a hearing held from October 21-23, 2024, Balogun, who was among the two officers present aside from the celebrant, was involved in an incident that escalated unexpectedly. The document detailing the events stated that around 11:30 p.m., Balogun reportedly removed the victim’s spectacles and, after an exchange, allegedly bit him on the face.
While Balogun contested this version of events, claiming he only accidentally knocked off the spectacles and did not bite the victim, medical records supported the victim’s account. The review panel, led by high-ranking officers, concluded that Balogun’s actions constituted a serious breach of conduct standards expected from a police officer. The panel highlighted the importance of maintaining public trust, noting that Balogun’s actions undermined confidence in the police force.
Further details indicated that despite Balogun’s positive character references, his disciplinary history included prior misconduct. Based on this assessment, the panel concluded that dismissal without notice was the appropriate response to the incident.