The Police Commissioner today was ordered by a magistrate to investigate allegations of excessive use of force by two police officers against a man who provided false identity details after being arrested for dangerous driving.

Magistrate Aaron Bugeja demanded an investigation on whether officers Mark Tonna and David Camilleri threw Jean Paul Aquilina to the ground, forcefully restrained him and also punched him in the face, while arresting him for dangerous driving.

The allegations of excessive use of force were made by Mr Aquilina who was accused of dangerous driving, failing to obey police orders and assaulting police officers.

Defence lawyer Mario de Marco said his client was stopped by the police at 1am near Mgarr. Mr Aquilina cooperated with the two officers, but an altercation ensued between the three after Mr Aquilina initially provided incorrect ID card details, he said.

Mr Aquilina was taken to the Floriana health centre and later to Mater Dei Hospital for tests and medical treatment.

The police told the court that the two officers had also suffered minor injuries.

Mr Aquilina was granted bail and the case will continue pending the police commissioner’s inquiry.