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US police suspended after TV crew films violent arrest

An investigation was launched and 10 policemen suspended after the arrest was filmed by a news crew in a helicopter [AP]

Ten California policemen have been suspended after a TV news helicopter crew recorded the violent arrest of a man fleeing from them on horseback.

John McMahon, the San Bernardino County sheriff, announced the action following the arrest of 30-year-old Francis Pusok, who fled by car and then on a stolen horse when police tried to serve a search warrant in an identity theft investigation on Thursday.

McMahon said an internal investigation had begun on the use of force.

Another two criminal investigations - one into Pusok's actions and another into the actions of police - have begun.

The sheriff said he was "disturbed and troubled" by what he saw in the video recorded by a KNBC-TV helicopter crew.

Walter Scott, an unarmed black man, was filmed being shot to death on Saturday while running from North Charleston police officer Michael Slager, who has been fired from his job and charged with murder.