Police have been accused of using excessive force after a video of an officer arresting a man in the street was posted online.

The footage appears to show the suspect taking a swing at the officer, who then tackles him to the ground and pepper-sprays him in Luton Road, Chatham.

The constable then tells the suspect to lay on his front, before mounting him and pulling his arms behind his back to handcuff him.

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The suspect can be heard calling out, with the officer responding: "You're crying now aren't you, big man?"

The scuffle was captured by an onlooker and the video posted online earlier this week.

It has since been shared hundreds of times.

Many people have commented on the footage to say they felt the officer used excessive force on the 21-year-old from Sheerness, who was arrested on suspicion of threatening behaviour and later fined £90.

However, Kent Police said the officer acted appropriately.

A spokesman said: "Kent Police was called to Luton Road in Chatham at 12.47pm on Wednesday, March 21, following a report of an altercation and further reports of threatening behaviour.

"Officers attended and arrested a 21-year-old man from Sheerness for using threatening behaviour.

"He was issued a penalty notice of £90.

"In cases where suspects are non-compliant and resist arrest, officers are compelled to use necessary and proportionate force to ensure the safety of themselves, the suspect, and nearby members of the public."

One commenter named Jango Decosta said: "The outcome would have been very civilised if the policeman had a conversation with him instead of bullying him. Works both ways."

Meanwhile, others praised the officer for a "proportionate response".