A shocking video has emerged of a police officer allegedly punching a man.
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The video, which was posted on Instagram, shows the man peering into a police vehicle before being grabbed by the back of his shirt by an officer and punched in the face.
The incident occurred on April 8 at Knox Park, Murwillumbah on the NSW far north coast.
NSW Police said while they were dealing with a separate assault matter the 50-year-old man approached officers and attempted to intervene.
"The man was issued a move-on direction before being removed from the location to prevent him hindering police further," the spokesperson said.
"A short time later, the same man approached a marked police sedan and allegedly placed his belongings on the bonnet and attempted to get in the vehicle.
The spokesperson said police attempted to remove the man from the vehicle but after he took "hold of a police officer by the arm" they were left with no choice but to use force.
The video of the incident has been viewed by 1.7 million people.
One person described it as "disgusting".
"Can't believe the copper used his fist," one person wrote.
"'One punch can kill' unless you're a police officer then it's alright," another wrote sarcastically.
But others defended the officer.
"It's obvious by the way the copper wipes his cheek, this person spits at him, he deserves more than just a punch," a third person wrote.
The man was charged with a number of offences and granted conditional bail to appear before Murwillumbah Local Court in May.