POLICEMAN SEEN 'PUMMELING' PROSTRATE WOMAN

The California Highway Patrol says that it is investigating footage posted on YouTube that shows a policeman repeatedly punching the face and head of a prostrate woman.

Video shows him straddling the woman and hitting her at least 11 times.

Police say that the woman needed to be restrained and was endangering herself and motorists by walking on a busy road in the west of Los Angeles.

The incident was recorded by passing motorist David Tiaz.

"The policeman just pounded her," he told CBS Los Angeles.

"If you look at the video, there are 15 hits. To the head, and not just simple jabs. These are blows to the head. Blows. Really serious blows. And this is ridiculous to me."

"I find it hard to believe there [was] no other remedy in this situation."

The officer involved in the incident is reported by the AP news agency to be on administrative leave while it is being investigated. He has not been identified.

When the video starts, the officer is seen trying to detain the barefooted woman, who walks a few steps away from him.

But the officer is seen forcing her to the ground, briefly struggling with her before repeatedly pummeling her. A few moments later, plain clothes officer enters the picture and helps his colleague put the woman in handcuffs.