A policeman filmed making a violent arrest of a man in a wheelchair is still not at work, his force has confirmed.

The officer was recorded by a member of the public as he detained the suspect in Great Yarmouth on May 20.

He has not been at work since then, although Norfolk Constabulary say he has not been suspended.

In the 24-second clip - which was widely circulated on social media - the officer can be seen landing around half a dozen blows on the man and the incident prompted anger from many onlookers.

It has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), although its investigation is expected to last for months.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: A police officer appeared to have struck a man in a wheelchair several times.A police officer appeared to have struck a man in a wheelchair several times. (Image: Submitted)

The confrontation happened between 5pm and 6pm on St Peter's Road, not far from the seafront.

Witnesses said it began after the man in the wheelchair, who is disabled with only one leg, was seen in the middle of the road, holding a bottle of alcohol.

It is understood the police officer then arrived on the scene and started pushing the man back onto the path, near the Londis shop on the corner of King Street.Great Yarmouth Mercury: The Londis store on St Peter's Road, near where the incident took place on May 20.The Londis store on St Peter's Road, near where the incident took place on May 20. (Image: Google)Onlookers said they were shocked by the incident and criticised the officer's actions, saying it had left them afraid of the police.

Following the incident, Michael McQueen, 37, of Hall Quay in Yarmouth, was charged with assaulting an emergency worker, and using threatening, abusive, insulting words or behaviour.

He appeared at Norwich Magistrates Court on May 22 and his case was adjourned until June 19 when he will appear at Norwich Crown Court to make a plea ahead of a trial.

A spokesman for the IOPC said the normal length of investigations is usually set for three to six months, six to nine months or 12 months.

The law allows the police to use 'reasonable force' when carrying out their role of law enforcement.

This provision is under Section 3 of the Criminal Law Act 1967, which states: "A person may use such force as is reasonable in the circumstances in the prevention of crime, or in effecting or assisting in the lawful arrest of offenders or suspected offenders or of persons unlawfully at large."