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Duncan Murray

Police investigate treatment of handcuffed suspect

The arrest of a handcuffed teenager in northern NSW will be the subject of an internal inquiry. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)

Footage showing a forceful police arrest during which a suspect appears to have a seizure, has prompted a special investigation.

NSW Police confirmed on Friday there will be an internal probe into the arrest of an 18-year-old man at Taree on the state's mid north coast.

A social media post, shared by The Guardian Australia, shows a suspect handcuffed behind his back, being led by a plain-clothed officer.

The footage is a series of clips, edited together. At one stage, the suspect can be seen convulsing on the ground, before being lifted and led by the officer.

Another frame of video shows the officer conducting a leg sweep, knocking the suspect to the ground while still cuffed.

The arrest on Tuesday followed "reports an unknown male had allegedly tried to break into two homes," police said in a statement.

"Upon sighting police, the man allegedly fled the scene; however, was located a short time later."

The Guardian reported the man is Aboriginal and lives with a disability.

He appeared at Taree Local Court and was refused bail to reappear September 18.

Police said their investigation "will examine the response and arrest made by a police officer".

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